FA to investigate homophobic chant at Old Trafford
Supporter groups have called on the Crown Prosecution Service to take action.
Last updated 7th Jan 2023
The Football Association is to investigate a homophobic chant aimed at Everton manager Frank Lampard during Manchester United's 3-1 FA Cup third round win at Old Trafford last night.
Supporter groups have called on the Crown Prosecution Service and football authorities to take action.
In a statement, the FA said it strongly condemned the offensive phrase used, and that it remains determined to drive it from the game.
An FA spokesperson said: "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 United's officially recognised LGBTQ+ Supporters Club also joined condemnation of the chant.
In a series of Tweets, they said:
"We strongly condemn the taunting of Frank Lampard with the illegal and homophobic chant from a section of our fans and call for the club to take action.
"We call on Manchester United to do everything in their power to identify the culprits and deal with them in the strongest possible manner."