Leeds United group disappointed with 'minority' at Wembley after Chelsea Pride criticise police
A Leeds United fan group has expressed disappointment at the actions of a 'small minority' at Wembley on Sunday following a police report.
The Met Police confirmed to the YEP on Sunday shortly after Leeds' 1-0 FA Cup semi-final loss to Chelsea that while 14 arrests were made for various offences, a further 16 Whites supporters could face prosecution for homophobic chanting. The 'rent boy' chant heard inside the ground was made a criminal offence and deemed a homophobic slur.
LGBTQ+ group Chelsea Pride issued a statement criticising what they believe was a lack of action from the Met Police before, during and after the game. Their statement read: "Sixteen individuals do not represent the scale, volume, or visibility of the abuse witnessed across multiple locations over a sustained period of time. Across key fan areas — including Wembley Park station, Wembley Way and Empire Way, groups of Leeds United supporters repeatedly and openly chanted ‘rent boy’. This was not isolated. It was sustained, targeted homophobic abuse, in full public view, before and after the match. This behaviour took place in the presence of officers from the Metropolitan Police. They saw it. They heard it. They did not act. Even when this was explicitly reported as a homophobic hate crime, there was no intervention.”
Leeds group Marching Out Together have now added comment to say they have offered to work further with Leeds United on the issue. Their statement said: "Following a great day at Wembley on Sunday, we are disappointed to hear reports of homophobic chanting during the Chelsea vs Leeds United FA Cup Semi-Final. Whilst only a small minority, this behaviour has no place in football or in our communities. Everyone deserves to feel safe, respected and included — regardless of sexual orientation. As supporters, we pride ourselves on unity and passion, but that must never come at the expense of others. Rivalry should never cross the line into discrimination. We stand firmly against all forms of homophobia and will continue to support efforts that make football a welcoming space for all.
"Marching on Together means standing together; we have again offered our support to the LUFC on this issue and will continue to work with the club and football authorities where needed."
The day also featured repeated Jimmy Savile chants from Chelsea supporters. Leeds United have previously urged the Crown Prosecution Service and game's authorities to deem such songs as tragedy chanting and a public order offence, in line with songs about the Munich air disaster or the murder of two Leeds fans - Christopher Loftus and Kevin Speight - in Istanbul.