Chelsea and the Premier League condemn ‘VILE’ homophobic chants during their defeat at Molineux… after Wolves’ plea over PA system to stop ‘rent boy’ song fell on deaf ears – as police make three arrests
- Three people arrested after ‘despicable’ homophobic chanting aimed at Chelsea fans
- Wolves forced to warn fans about their offensive behavior through the PA system
- Discriminatory chants condemned by Chelsea, Wolves and the Premier League
Three people have been arrested after ‘despicable’ homophobic chants aimed at Chelsea fans during their match against Wolves in Molineux.
Wolves were forced to make a PA announcement warning fans of their offensive behavior after the song was heard from some of the home supporters in the second half on Saturday.
But that fell on deaf ears and they just responded by repeating it and declaring ‘we are Wolverhampton, we sing what we want’.
The discriminatory chants were later condemned by Chelsea, Wolves and the Premier League.
In a statement, Chelsea said: ‘The Chelsea Football Club finds all forms of discriminatory behavior completely unacceptable. It condemns the homophobic chanting of some home fans this afternoon in Molineux. Chelsea will continue to work with Chelsea Pride and the wider football community to eliminate these vile chants from our game.”
Chelsea has spoken out about ‘vicious’ homophobic chants from Wolves fans during Saturday’s game
Chelsea eventually lost 1-0 at Molineux on Saturday afternoon
The Premier League said: ‘The homophobic chant heard today at the game between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Chelsea has no place in football or society. The Premier League condemns all forms of discrimination. Football is for everyone.’
And Wolves spokesman said: “We strongly condemn the discriminatory chants directed at Chelsea supporters during today’s game.
In response to the chants, supporters were reminded via a public address system that discriminatory behavior and such chants will not be tolerated at Molineux.
“Homophobia, like all other forms of discrimination, has no place in football or society, and anyone who commits discriminatory behavior is committing a criminal offence.
“We can therefore confirm that three arrests have been made by West Midlands Police in connection with homophobia and the discriminatory chants in question.
“Our ethos at Wolves is about being ‘One Pack’ – an attitude we are passionate about and extends to our relationships across the football community, regardless of rivalries or what is happening on the football field.
The game marked Frank Lampard’s first time back in charge as Chelsea in his caretaker role
“We thank all supporters and staff who have reported incidents and will continue to campaign for inclusion and tackle discriminatory abuse, both in stadiums and online.
“The club will offer the police its full support in conducting their investigation.”
The FA has previously launched an investigation into the singing of the song after it was heard at a number of matches earlier this year.
A Liverpool fan was fined after being charged with a homophobic hate crime for singing the chant at last season’s FA Cup final, while a Tottenham fan was arrested for homophobic chanting following their win against Chelsea in February.