Chelsea have welcomed the FA's decision to recognise the homophobic chant aimed at Blues' supporters as a breach of FA rules which could lead to disciplinary action against clubs being taken. The decision from the governing body comes less than a week following their decision to investigate chants during Chelsea's FA Cup clash against Manchester City.
It was one of several instances of chants being directed at Blues' supporters in recent weeks, with the FA saying they were "determined" to drive the term "rent boy" out of football following the phrase being used by some Nottingham Forest supporters in Chelsea's visit to the City Ground.
The term was officially defined and recognised as a homophobic slur by the Crown Prosecution Service in January 2022. Following recent incidents, Chelsea Pride called upon the FA to take action to update their own rules and they have now done so.
READ MORE: Four things learned as Joao Felix debut exposes brutal Chelsea realities in defeat to Fulham
The club's statement read: "Chelsea Football Club welcomes the FA's decision to class the homophobic chant directed at our supporters as a breach of FA rules which could lead to disciplinary action being taken. This follows the decision of the Crown Prosecution Service to class this hugely offensive chant as a hate crime.
"The 'Rent Boy' chant is intolerable and has no place in football or anywhere else. That opposition clubs can now face disciplinary action if their supporters engage in this discrimatory and offensive behaviour is a step in the right direction. Everyone who chooses to participate in this chant must know their actions have consequences.
"Alongside our No To Hate campaign, we will continue to work with the FA, the CPS, opposition clubs and our own LGBTQI+ supporter group Chelsea Pride in pursuit of positive change. There is plenty more work to be done, but we won't rest until football is a game where everyone feels welcome.
"Supporters are reminded they can report hate, whether experienced in the stadium or online, directly to us."
READ NEXT :
Chelsea player ratings vs Fulham as Joao Felix spoils debut, Mason Mount and Kepa struggle
Every word Graham Potter said on Joao Felix red card, Zakaria injury, Chelsea supporters' anger
Graham Potter gives honest verdict on Joao Felix red card in Chelsea defeat to Fulham
Fulham vs Chelsea highlights: Joao Felix red card, Carlos Vinicius hands Blues defeat
