Leeds United join Man Utd push to classify Jimmy Savile chants as hate crimes | OneFootball

Leeds United are working with Manchester United to have Jimmy Savile chants treated as hate crimes and a public order offence.

According to Leeds Live, the club has targeted both its own supporters and rival fans, and has joined the Premier League's Tragedy Chanting Working Group with Manchester United, Liverpool and Bradford City.

Savile, born in Leeds, had no connection to the club, and his crimes only emerged after his death in 2011. Leeds' owners have asked football authorities and police to act.

Since 2023 the Crown Prosecution Service has said tragedy chanting, including songs about major football disasters, could be prosecuted as a hate crime. Leeds want the Savile songs treated similarly, though they fear legislative changes could take months.

The push began under former chief executive Angus Kinnear, who led meetings with fan groups to address a stain on the club's reputation. Thousands of supporters are understood to have lobbied for action.

Plans to use big-screen appeals were shelved amid concerns it might fuel the chanting.

If the chants are classed as a hate crime, offenders could face criminal proceedings, heavy fines and long bans from Elland Road. Upgraded CCTV planned in the stadium renovation is expected to help identify culprits.

Source: Leeds Live