FA fines Hull City £30,000 over homophobic chant

Hull City have been fined £30,000 by the Football Association over discriminatory chanting during their 4-0 FA Cup defeat by Chelsea in February.

The club accepted the FA charge after supporters were heard using a homophobic chant during the match at the MKM Stadium.

Spectators were repeatedly warned to stop by the stadium’s public-address system, while messages were also displayed on screens.

Three people were arrested over the alleged homophobic chanting, while Hull City have since banned three supporters for a minimum of three years.

The FA charged the club with failing to ensure that its supporters did not use offensive, abusive or insulting language relating to sexual orientation.

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Hull City condemned the behaviour in the strongest terms, describing the chant as a recognised homophobic slur and warning that its use could constitute a hate crime.

The club has also urged supporters not to repeat the chant when they travel to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea in the Premier League on Saturday.

“Hull City condemns, in the strongest possible terms, the offensive and inappropriate language used by the supporters responsible,” the club said in a statement on Friday.

It added that discrimination of any kind was “wholly unacceptable” and would not be tolerated.

The club also warned supporters that anyone using discriminatory language could face arrest and criminal charges.

Gilbert Ekugbe is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over a decade of experience reporting on business and economic affairs. He covers markets, corporate developments, finance, and Nigeria’s broader economic landscape. His reporting is informed by extensive newsroom experience and a strong commitment to accuracy and responsible journalism, helping readers understand complex business issues.

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