Tottenham Hotspur faced sanctions from the English Football Association over homophobic chants by fans during one of their Premier League matches earlier this season. The incident took place during a clash against Manchester United where the Spurs recorded a 3-0 win over their rivals on September 29 at Old Trafford. The club has been charged with rules breaches because the clubs are required to ensure that their fans don’t use offensive chants.
Not only this, but they are also required to behave in an “improper, offensive, abusive, indecent, or insulting way with either an express or implied reference to sexual orientation.” The breaches of FA Rule E21 took place twice during the game, first in 49th second and second in the 76th minute. According to The Athletic, the homophobic slur was aimed at the west London club’s current and former players and fans. Not only this, but another chant related to striker Dominic Solanke and Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was also heard.
FA confirms imposing sanctions on Tottenham Hotspurs in official statement
The English Football Association confirmed the charge imposed on the club and said that the club failed to prevent fans from “using words….with either an express or implied reference to sexual orientation. The statement added, “We will be working closely with the police and stewards to identify anyone instigating or joining in with the chanting — we shall take the strongest possible action in accordance with our sanctions and banning policy.”
Notably, in January 2023, the Association added homophobic chants to its list of rule breaches and said that it could lead to actions against clubs whose supporters violate them. The club is required to respond to the charge by Wednesday, November 13.