Leeds United fined £150K  for fans homophobic chanting

August 18 – Leeds United have been fined £150,000 by the FA after homophobic chants by a section of fans were clearly heard at the club’s Premier League match against Brighton in March.

The club admitted to a breach of FA rule E21.4, which states that a club must ensure its supporters conduct themselves in an orderly fashion and do not use discriminatory words.

Homophobic chants were heard from some fans in the South Stand at Elland Road, which led to a subsequent statement from the club’s LGBTQ+ Marching Out Together fan group, condemning the homophobia.

The group said there had been numerous instances of unmistakably homophobic chanting during the match, also disclosing that a Brighton supporter had reached out to them detailing a separate incident of abuse upon exiting the game. The Match ended 2-2 after a late equaliser from Jack Harrison.

The Premier League has close ties with the LGBTQ+ community, introducing the Rainbow Laces campaign to encourage more equality and respect in English football.

Brighton is recognised for having a large and proud LGBTQ+ population, leading to its title of the ‘unofficial gay capital of Britain’.

A statement from Leeds United, accepting the fine, said: “Leeds United accepts the £150,000 fine imposed by the FA regarding homophobic chanting at our fixture with Brighton & Hove Albion in March.

“Over recent years we have worked hard to eradicate homophobia in our community with the launch of Marching Out Together, sponsorship of Leeds Pride and various activities in local schools.

“Clearly our efforts have not been enough and we need to increase the work we are doing with our fanbase to ensure everyone is clear that any form of homophobia and discriminative chanting will not be accepted at Leeds United.”

Leeds United, relegated from the Premier League at the end of last season, continue their EFL Championship campaign against West Bromwich Albion at Elland Road this evening.