Everton condemns homophobic chanting from supporters at Chelsea game
"Such behaviour is unacceptable and does not represent the values of our club or our wider fanbase."
Words: Alastair James; pictures: Pexels
Everton football club has condemned homophobic chants that fans directed at Chelsea during a game yesterday (Thursday 16 December) evening.
The two sides came to a 1-1 draw in last night’s Premier League match at Stamford Bridge, but the game was marred in “unacceptable” chants from Everton supporters.
The club posted a statement on Twitter last night saying, “Such behaviour is unacceptable and does not represent the values of our club or our wider fanbase.”
“It’s wrong, it’s homophobic & needs to stop”
It continues: “Through our ‘All Together Now’ campaign we promote and celebrate the diversity and inclusivity within our club, our game and our community. We expect fans to reflect those values by refraining from any discriminatory chanting in the future.”
— Everton (@Everton) December 16, 2021
Everton’s LGBTQ supporters group, Rainbow Toffees, has also condemned the chanting, issuing its own statement which adds: “We’ve been informed of the ‘Chelsea Rent Boy’ chants. This is something we totally condemn.
“It’s wrong, it’s homophobic & needs to stop. We have brought this up with the club in the past & will be bringing it up again.”
We’ve been informed of the ‘Chelsea Rent Boy’ chants. This is something we totally condemn. It’s wrong, it’s homophobic & needs to stop. We have brought this up with the club in the past & will be bringing it up again. @ChelseaPride_ @Everton41028332 @FvHtweets
— Rainbow Toffees (@RainbowToffees) December 16, 2021
The offensive ‘rent boy’ chant has been targeted at Chelsea players in the past, with Liverpool calling out similar behavior in August when they played Norwich. At the time, Billy Gilmour was on loan to Norwich from Chelsea.
Liverpool’s manager, Jurgen Klopp also condemned the homophobic chanting saying, “I’m not sure if people listen to me but it would be nice. I don’t want to hear it anymore for so many reasons.”
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