The FA will investigate after a homophobic chant was heard at Old Trafford during Manchester United’s FA Cup third-round win over Everton.
The chant was previously heard during United’s Premier League trip to Chelsea in October. Manager Erik ten Hag criticised its use and United had said they would work with fan groups to tackle the issue.
It was again heard at Chelsea’s 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest last Sunday, with the City Ground club also saying they will investigate.
The FA will now look into its use on Friday and will work with both United, Everton and the relevant authorities.
An FA statement on Friday read: “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.”
A United statement read: “Homophobia, like all forms of discrimination, has no place in football. Manchester United is proud of our diverse fan base and the work we have done to reduce instances like we sadly heard today.
“We will continue to campaign for inclusivity and to tackle discriminatory abuse whether inside stadiums or online. This includes working with fan groups to educate fans on the offence which discriminatory language causes.”
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(Photo: Getty Images)
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Diego Menjivar