16 Leeds United fans reported for homophobic chanting at Chelsea semi-final as 14 arrests made | OneFootball

Sixteen Leeds United supporters were reported for homophobic chanting during Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea, the Metropolitan Police said. Fourteen arrests were made in or around Wembley for various offences.

Offences included GBH, ABH, affray, assault on an emergency worker, common assault and tailgating, where a non-paying person attempts to enter by closely following a paying fan through a turnstile.

In 2022 the Crown Prosecution Service ruled that ‘rent boy’ chanting falls under homophobic abuse, meaning those charged could face prosecution under hate crime laws.

Jimmy Savile chants were also heard, however they are not currently classed as a hate crime. Leeds United, who had no connection to the late paedophile, want them categorised as tragedy chanting and therefore an offence.

The semi-final largely passed off without incident. A further 18 people, who were not arrested, will be reported for consideration of prosecution for other matters.

Source: Leeds Live