FA tells clubs anti-gay chant now considered breach of rules

The “rent boy” chant will likely be considered a breach of the Football Association’s rules, it said on Wednesday in a statement condemning all offensive, abusive and discriminatory chanting in soccer stadiums.

The FA stated these chants can have a “lasting and damaging impact” on individuals and communities throughout the sport and have to be stopped.

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“This important step follows the recent successful prosecution of an individual by the Crown Prosecution Service for homophobic abuse, specifically relating to the term ‘Rent Boy’,” the FA stated.

“The FA has now informed all clubs that it considers the ‘Rent Boy’ chant to be a breach of the FA Rules.

“These rules apply to the conduct of supporters at each residence and away fixtures, and clubs in any respect ranges of English soccer have a accountability to make sure their spectators behave appropriately when attending matches.”

The statement came days after the FA said it would open an investigation after supporters were heard using anti-gay language towards Everton’s former Chelsea manager Frank Lampard during his team’s 3-1 FA Cup loss at Manchester United.

The chant was also heard during the second half of Chelsea’s 4-0 defeat to Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium in the FA Cup third round tie on Sunday.

A statement issued by Manchester City on Sunday read: “Manchester City strongly condemns the behaviour of a minority of followers who engaged in discriminatory chanting at immediately’s match. We are proud to have a good time inclusivity in soccer and ask all followers to affix us in making a optimistic atmosphere and ambiance, the place everyone seems to be welcomed, accepted and has a improbable matchday expertise.”

An FA spokesperson said: “We strongly condemn the use of the time period ‘lease boy’ and we’re decided to drive it out of our sport. We proceed to work carefully with the Crown Prosecution Service, in addition to the UK Football Policing Unit, in relation to the use of this time period.”