Hull City have confirmed that arrests were made following incidents of homophobic chanting during their FA Cup defeat to Chelsea at the MKM Stadium on Friday night. The Championship club issued a public announcement in the second half, after earlier warnings to supporters to cease the discriminatory singing had gone unheeded.
Incidents of Discriminatory Chanting
It is reported that a small minority of home fans were heard singing 'Chelsea Rent Boys' at the visiting Chelsea supporters gathered behind one goal. This led to immediate action from stadium authorities, who addressed the issue through announcements over the public address system.
Stadium Announcements and Warnings
During the first half, a message was broadcast stating: 'There has been discriminatory chanting from inside the stadium. This is unacceptable and must cease immediately. If you hear of any further incidents, please report this immediately to your nearest steward.' Despite this warning, the chanting persisted, prompting a further announcement in the 64th minute, which revealed that arrests had been made in connection with the incidents.
Managerial Responses
Hull manager Sergej Jakirovic commented on the situation, saying, 'I didn't hear that. But there's no place for it in the stadium or in public. There is no place for it. It's not good.' Similarly, Liam Rosenior added, 'I don't know anything about it but that kind of language is unacceptable. I hope it gets dealt with. The fourth official mentioned it but I don't know what happened.' Both managers emphasized the unacceptability of such behavior in football and public spaces.
Club's Stance on Discrimination
Hull City's swift response highlights the club's commitment to tackling discrimination in football. The arrests underscore a zero-tolerance approach to homophobic abuse, aligning with broader efforts across the sport to promote inclusivity and respect among fans.
The incident occurred during a high-profile FA Cup match, drawing attention to ongoing challenges in eradicating discriminatory behavior from football stadiums. Authorities continue to investigate the matter, with further details expected to be released in due course.
