Club threaten legal action against supporters caught engaging in “Chelsea rent boy” chant
Manchester United have issued a warning to supporters against discriminatory chanting ahead of Sunday’s Premier League fixture against Chelsea.
The club stated that anyone found engaging in such chanting faces a stadium ban or even criminal charges. Offenders could face a ban of up to three years.
The club specifically addressed the use of the “Chelsea rent boy” chant, a homophobic slur that has long been directed at Chelsea players and fans, making clear it will not be tolerated. The term “rent boy” is a derogatory term applied to a male sex worker.
In a statement released on Thursday, United described the chant as “offensive, inappropriate and having no place at our stadium or within our game”.
“Supporters who engage in this behaviour risk serious consequences, including ejection from the stadium, banning orders, and potential criminal charges,” the statement said.
“Manchester United is proud to be a diverse and inclusive club, with a global fanbase that reflects communities from every background, faith and orientation.
“We call on our supporters to uphold the values of our club by avoiding language and behaviour that causes harm or offence.”
Earlier in June, Tottenham Hotspur were fined £75,000 by the English Football Association after their fans were found guilty of using the “Chelsea rent boy” chant during a match against Manchester United last year. The chant appeared to have been directed towards former Chelsea player Mason Mount.
There was also a £120,000 fine for Luton Town in 2023 after their fans directed the chant at Billy Gilmour, a former Chelsea player, during a game against Brighton.
