Tottenham condemn homophobic chants heard during Carabao Cup tie vs Chelsea

Tottenham have released a statement condemning homophobic chants from the away end at Stamford Bridge during the loss to Chelsea on Wednesday night.

Spurs played the Blues in the London derby – the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi final – with the game ending in a 2-0 victory for the home side.

The FA have openly expressed their support of the ‘Football v Homophobia’ campaign which “exists to challenge discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and expression at all levels in football.”

No one should suffer discrimination in any setting and this should be no different at a football match.

There is a rivalry between Tottenham and Blues and there is always a loud atmosphere when the two sides face each other, but there is never an excuse for homophobic comments, or any chants that are discriminatory.

In Spurs’ statement on the clubs website, they explained, “The club is extremely disappointed by homophobic chanting from sections of our support at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night.

“We work closely with our LGBTQ+ fan group Proud Lilywhites to create a welcoming and inclusive environment at our Club and are proud to display the Progress Flag in our stadium on matchdays.”

The Proud Lilywhites are an award winning association who encourage members of Spurs’ LGBTQ+ community to join them “for match day meet ups, regular socials, campaigning, events with Tottenham Hotspur, pub screenings, away matches, overseas trips and more.”

In Tottenham’s statement they gave supporters a place to go if they hear any discriminative chants during games or in and around the stadium.

“Homophobic chanting at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium should be reported by texting HPH and location details to 07537 404821.

“At other stadia, it should be reported to the nearest steward or via the home club’s reporting number.”