Offensive chants were heard during Saturday’s 1-1 draw between Chelsea and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea issued a short statement after full-time, saying homophobic chants were sang at the game and that more needs to be done to tackle this issue within society.
“Chelsea Football Club finds all forms of discriminatory behaviour totally unacceptable and we condemn the language used by some individuals today at Stamford Bridge,” a statement read.
“We are proud to be supporting Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces campaign and today acts as proof that we must do more to make football a game for everyone.
“This year we are educating, celebrating, communicating and motivating allyship and action for our players, employees, fans and society.”
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag went on to say homophobic chants “do not belong in the stands” during his post-match press conference.
Several United fans sang a derogatory chant aimed at Chelsea fans late in the game at a time the Premier League was promoting the Rainbow Laces campaign.
Ten Hag was also critical of Chelsea fans for their taunts at Raphael Varane after the Frenchman had to be substituted due to an injury. The former Real Madrid defender was reduced to tears before being jeered by the Chelsea fans as he limped off the pitch. While walking around the perimeter and back to the tunnel, you could hear the abuse Varane was receiving from all sections of the ground.
“I think it doesn’t belong in the stands but when I call the stands, I mention the stands, I mean the whole stadium,” Ten Hag told reporters, as per the Manchester Evening News. “Because also when Rapha Varane came out, it was the same, the other side, the Chelsea fans. So we all don’t do it.”
When asked about the chants, Chelsea manager Potter said: “Well it’s clear that we’ve still got a lot of work to do.”
