West Ham condemns own fans for singing homophobic chants in Premier League clash against Chelsea
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West Ham has condemned its own fans for homophobic chants during a Premier League match against Chelsea on Saturday, November 30.
Fans reportedly sang ‘Chelsea Rent Boys’ at the match, and sparked the ire and frustration of team officials, who promptly slammed the behaviour in a statement, the Daily Mail reports.
“West Ham United in no way condones any behaviour that falls short of the highest standards which the club sets when it comes to equality,” the statement said.
“At the London Stadium against Arsenal we will be celebrating and demonstrating the great work the club does to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for ALL supporters, including our LGBT+ fanbase, as part of our ongoing and unwavering support for the Rainbow Laces campaign.”
The homophobic chants by West Ham supporters were widely condemned.
Meanwhile, LGBT+ supporters group Pride of Irons also hit out at the chants on Twitter.
“Having spoken to @ChelseaPride_ to get the details of yesterday’s homophobic chanting, we understand that West Ham fans were chanting ‘Chelsea Rent Boys’. Whether you think is homophobic or not, Kick It Out have made it clear that it is.
“When you use homophobic chants you aren’t abusing most Chelsea fans who will be straight, but all gay fans.”
West Ham United in no way condones any behaviour that falls short of the highest standards which the club sets when it comes to equality.
“We’re better than that and can come up with much smarter chants that don’t abuse our own fans.
“We shouldn’t be the club appearing in the news for homophobia. There are other clubs who have ingrained problems. Let’s not join their ranks. Be better. Be West Ham. Support the whole West Ham Family, no matter race, gender, sexuality or anything else.”
Police are reportedly investigating chanting at the match.
Police are investigating the alleged homophobic chants at the match, according to the BBC, and they said in a statement released today that “enquiries are ongoing” and no arrests have been made.
Elsewhere, the chants were condemned by Kick it Out, an organisation that works to bring about equality in football.
“We have received numerous reports of homophobic chanting directed at Chelsea fans during their match against West Ham United on Saturday,” they said in a statement.
“We have informed The FA, and reiterate our message: the ‘Rent Boy’ chant is homophobic and must be treated as such.”
