Hull City have been fined £30,000 by the Football Association after admitting a charge relating to homophobic chanting during their FA Cup defeat by Chelsea in February. An independent regulatory commission also imposed an action plan on the club after it emerged Hull had failed to stop the chanting despite public address announcements warning supporters to stop.
The FA charge alleged that Hull failed to ensure its supporters did not use language or behave in a way that made an offensive or insulting reference, whether direct or implied, to sexual orientation. Offensive chanting was heard from sections of the home crowd during the first half of the fixture, prompting an initial PA announcement urging fans to stop and warning that CCTV was in operation. A second announcement followed in the second half confirming that action, including arrests, had been taken. Hull admitted the charge in full.
Three supporters identified as having taken part in the chanting have since been banned by the club for a minimum of three years, with Hull warning that individuals using the chant could also face arrest and criminal prosecution.
Ahead of their trip to Stamford Bridge this weekend, Hull have reminded supporters that discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated, reinforcing the message as the two clubs prepare to meet again.
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