Tottenham Hotspur FC has condemned fans for chanting homophobic slurs at a Premier League match on Sunday, September 29. The incident in question took place as the London side defeated Manchester United 3-0, with supporters told to expect the “strongest possible action” if found guilty.
“The Club is aware of abhorrent homophobic chanting from sections of our away support at Old Trafford today,” Tottenham wrote in a statement. “This is simply unacceptable, hugely offensive and no way to show support for the team.”
The club confirmed that it will be working closely with the police and stewards to identify those who instigated or joined in with the chanting and punishments will be handed out in accordance with the Sanctions and Banning Policy.
Tottenham added: “We shall be continuing our work with our LGBTQ+ supporters’ association, Proud Lilywhites, to ensure a welcoming and inclusive environment for all fans on matchdays. We are justly proud of our superb and loyal support, home and away. However, we all have a responsibility to act as ambassadors of Tottenham Hotspur and discrimination of any kind has no place at our Club.”
Proud Lilywhites also responded to the incident, saying: “We’re all Spurs fans just like you. When you sing these songs you’re telling us we don’t belong; and we do, as much as you do”.
We’re all Spurs fans just like you. When you sing these songs you’re telling us we don’t belong; and we do, as much as you do #COYShttps://t.co/FOVJ4f7piO
— Proud Lilywhites (@SpursLGBT) September 29, 2024
The chanting occurred as part of a song sung for Dominic Solanke, who scored the third goal, but the homophobic lyrics do not relate to the striker.
Behaviour of this kind continues to be an issue in football. Last year, Wolves became the first team to be fined by the Premier League for their fans’ homophobic chants, and Luton was ordered to pay £120,000 for the same. Similarly, a Manchester United fan was given a three-year banning order in June by the Crown Prosecution Service for shouting homophobic slurs at opposition supporters before a game.
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