Manchester United merchandise for sale outside Old Trafford. Photo: Phil Noble/Reuters
Manchester United have warned supporters not to engage in offensive chanting ahead of Chelsea’s visit to Old Trafford on Saturday.
A statement on the Red Devils’ website referenced the “rent boy” chant that has been directed at Chelsea by some opposing fans.
“As we prepare to welcome Chelsea FC to Old Trafford this weekend, Manchester United would like to take this opportunity to reaffirm its commitment to ensuring that Old Trafford remains a place where everyone feels safe, respected and valued,” read the statement.
“We are aware of the use of the ‘rent boy’ chant that has been heard at fixtures involving Chelsea in recent years. We want to be absolutely clear: this chant is offensive, inappropriate and has no place at our stadium or within our game.
“The Football Association and the Crown Prosecution Service have both confirmed that the chant is considered discriminatory and is classed as a hate crime.
“As such, supporters who engage in this behaviour risk serious consequences, including ejection from the stadium, banning orders, and potential criminal charges.
“Within the club’s Official Club Sanctioning Document, this behaviour is identified as a Level 4(c) Offence and carries a three-year suspension.”
The article also linked to a statement from LGBTQ+ supporters’ group Rainbow Devils explaining the homophobic history of the chant.
“We want to use education to hopefully avoid any of our fans being punished and to do our best to eradicate this outdated chant,” it read.