FA set to investigate homophobic chants at Manchester City against Chelsea

The Football Association are set to launch an investigation into homophobic chants at Manchester City’s 4-0 win over Chelsea on Sunday afternoon.

Pep Guardiola’s side cruised into the fourth round of the Emirates FA Cup at the Etihad Stadium, after a stunning first-half performance put the tie beyond any doubt, securing City their second consecutive win over the London club in a single week.

Victory in east Manchester means that the reigning Premier League champions will now face Oxford United or Arsenal in the fourth round of the competition – with that tie set to be decided on Monday night.

While the football on the pitch was worthy of plenty of praise, the victory has been marred by homophobic chanting from a small section of the home supporters at Manchester City on the weekend.

It is the second time in just three days that the chant has been heard in an FA Cup match, with a similar occurrence coming in Manchester United’s win over Everton at Old Trafford on Friday night.

Less than a week ago, the Football Association made clear their determination to remove the term “rent boy” from the sport, following chants from Nottingham Forest supporters after Chelsea’s visit to the City Ground earlier this month.

A statement from the FA after Manchester City’s win over Chelsea read, “We continue to work closely with the Crown Prosecution Service, as well as the UK Football Policing Unit, in relation to the use of this term.

“Part of our work in this area has been to provide the relevant authorities with impact statements from LGBTQ+ supporters, detailing how chants of this nature affects their experience and feeling of inclusion at football matches, so that a clearer stance and understanding on the chant can be established.”

“We stand firmly against all forms of discrimination and we are striving to ensure our game is a safe environment for all, which truly embraces diversity and challenges hateful conduct both on and off the pitch.”

Manchester City can expect to understand any developments in an investigation into the matter across the course of the coming days.

The club have also released a statement following the incident, in which they strongly condemn the behaviour of ‘a minority of fans’ at the Etihad Stadium.

A statement from the Etihad club read, “Manchester City strongly condemns the behaviour of a minority of fans who engaged in discriminatory chanting at today’s match.

“We are proud to celebrate inclusivity in football and ask all fans to join us in creating a positive environment and atmosphere, where everyone is welcomed, accepted and has a fantastic matchday experience.”