Tottenham fan arrested for homophobic chanting during win over Chelsea
A fan was arrested for homophobic chants during Tottenham Hotspur's 2-0 victory over Chelsea on Sunday, the North London side have confirmed.
Tweets earlier in the day had suggested that the vile chants had been heard throughout the game. One read: "Disgusted and beyond disappointed that before the game even kicked off and again after the red card, I hear homophobic chanting from @SpursOfficial fans. before adding :"The chant in question is legally a hate crime. It’s been reported, hopefully something is done."
Action has indeed been taken on an individual involved. A statement from Tottenham read: "We can confirm an individual was arrested for use of homophobic language. There is no place for discrimination at Tottenham Hotspur."
The Football Association has also confirmed it is investigating the incident.
It is not the first time that a supporter has been punished for directing homophobic chants at Chelsea fans. A Liverpool supporter was convicted in December - a decision that triggered a move from the FA in a bid to stamp out use of the term 'rent boy'.
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A statement read: “Today, the FA has formally written to all clubs across the Premier League, EFL, National League, Women’s Super League, Women’s Championship and Steps 2-4, to remind them that it can pursue formal disciplinary action against any club whose supporters engage in discriminatory behaviour, now including the use of the term ‘rent boy’.
“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 has been attempting to clamp down on homophobia within football (Getty Images)“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 both home and away fixtures, and clubs at all levels of English football have a responsibility to ensure their spectators behave appropriately when attending matches.”
That was a call that Chelsea welcomed. A club statement from the Blues at the time read: "The 'rent boy' chant is intolerable and has no place in football or anywhere else.
"That opposition clubs can now face disciplinary action if their supporters engage in this discriminatory and offensive behaviour is a step in the right direction. Everyone who chooses to participate in this chant must know their actions have consequences.
"Alongside our No To Hate campaign, we will continue to work with the FA, the CPS, opposition clubs, and our own LGBTQI+ supporter group Chelsea Pride in the pursuit of positive change. There is plenty more work to be done, but we won't rest until football is a game where everyone feels welcome."
Mirror Football revealed last year that the the Crown Prosecution Service classed the use of the term as a hate crime with a number of investigations regarding its usage taking place last month after the chant was targeted at former Chelsea player and manager Frank Lampard before he was sacked by Everton.
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