Police close investigation into alleged anti-gay chants at Chelsea v Man U match
A police investigation has been closed after allegations of homophobic chants by Manchester United fans as the team played Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Man U were knocked out of the FA cup by Chelsea after losing 1-0 at the game.
But fans of Manchester United were being investigated after being accused of chanting a homophobic slur.
Fans were alleged to have chanted ‘Chelsea Rent Boys’ during the match.
After revelation was made in the Sun on Tuesday, later that day the Metropolitan Police said the matter was closed.
Police said in a statement: “Officers at Hammersmith and Fulham borough received an allegation on Tuesday, March 14 of homophobic chanting at the Chelsea v Manchester United football match at Stamford Bridge on Monday, March 13.
“Following initial police enquiries it was concluded that the matter did not meet the threshold for further investigation and the matter is now closed.”
An FA spokesman added: “We have received a complaint about offensive chanting at this fixture. We take all complaints seriously and look to work collaboratively with clubs, players, managers, officials and safety officers towards eradicating all discriminatory and offensive chanting.”
A statement from Man United reads: “We are aware of a complaint to the FA. The club aims to work closely with Chelsea to identify anyone believed to have engaged in discriminatory behaviour at the game and will follow the terms of our official sanctions policy if necessary.
“In addition, we will liaise with Chelsea to determine any activity to discourage such behaviour before the next fixture.”
Manchester United earlier this month became the first sports team to partner with Stonewall, in a “ground-breaking” initiative.
After joining in with Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces campaign last year, the club – which is worth £2.2 billion, the third-most in the world – moved to cement its relationship with the charity and the LGBT community.
The partnership will see United’s ground play host to Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces Summit in May, with sports leaders gathering at Old Trafford to gain skills and knowledge for LGBT activism.
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