Leeds United group disappointed with minority as Chelsea Pride criticise police response | OneFootball

A Leeds United supporters' group has voiced disappointment at the conduct of a small minority at Wembley after Sunday's 1-0 FA Cup semi-final defeat to Chelsea. According to yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk, the Met Police confirmed 14 arrests and said a further 16 Leeds fans could face prosecution over homophobic chanting. The "rent boy" chant is a criminal offence and deemed a homophobic slur.

LGBTQ+ group Chelsea Pride criticised what they believe was a lack of police action before, during and after the game. They said the abuse was widespread and sustained across key areas, including Wembley Park station, Wembley Way and Empire Way, and that officers did not intervene even when incidents were reported as homophobic hate crimes. They argued the 16 individuals cited do not reflect the scale or visibility of the abuse witnessed.

Leeds group Marching Out Together said the behaviour, while limited to a small number, has no place in football or in their communities. The group stressed that everyone should feel safe, respected and included, and that rivalry must not cross into discrimination. They said they stand against homophobia and want football to be welcoming for all.

The semi-final day also featured repeated Jimmy Savile chants from Chelsea supporters. Leeds United have previously urged the Crown Prosecution Service and football authorities to class such songs as tragedy chanting and a public order offence, in line with those about the Munich air disaster or the murders of two Leeds fans, Christopher Loftus and Kevin Speight, in Istanbul.

Marching Out Together said they have again offered their support to Leeds United on this issue and will continue to work with the club and the relevant authorities.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk