Sixteen Leeds fans could be prosecuted for homophobic chanting around Chelsea defeat

There were also 14 arrests for a variety of offences around the game, although the Met said it "passed off largely without incident". BEN STANSALL / Getty Images Share articleSixteen Leeds United fans were reported for consideration of prosecution over homophobic chanting in or around Wembley Stadium on the day of their FA Cup semi-final defeat to Chelsea, the Metropolitan Police has said. There were also 14 arrests for a variety of offences around the game, although the Met said the meeting between the fierce rivals “passed off largely without incident”. Chelsea beat Leeds 1-0, courtesy of a first-half Enzo Fernandez header, in front of 82,542 fans at Wembley to set up an FA Cup final against Manchester City, who progressed at the expense of Southampton on Saturday. The final will be back at the national stadium on May 16. A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: “Sunday’s FA Cup Semi-Final between Leeds and Chelsea at Wembley passed off largely without incident. “There were 14 arrests in or around the stadium for offences including GBH (grievous bodily harm), ABH (actual bodily harm), affray, assault on an emergency worker, common assault and tailgating. “A further 18 people were not arrested but will be reported for consideration of prosecution for other offences. This includes 16 Leeds fans who were seen and heard to be engaged in homophobic chanting.” The Crown Prosecution Service designated the ‘rent boy’ chant, often aimed at Chelsea fans and players, as a homophobic slur in 2022, meaning that those involved could face hate crime prosecution. Chants referencing the notorious sex offender Jimmy Savile, which have been sung at matches involving Leeds since his death in 2011 despite him having no connection to the football club, could also be heard around Wembley. Leeds United have called for Savile chants to be formally recognised as tragedy chants so they can be prosecuted as hate crimes. A club spokesperson told The Athletic in March: “The club’s supporters are subjected to these sickening taunts at every match by opposition fans, which should not be happening in today’s game and are a disgrace to the victims of Jimmy Savile’s abuse. Equally, the club disapproves of retaliatory chants from our own supporters.” Spot the pattern. Connect the terms Find the hidden link between sports terms