Manchester United have sent a cautionary message to their supporters ahead of Saturday’s meeting with Chelsea at Old Trafford.
United looking to recover vs. Chelsea
There is little doubt that Ruben Amorim and his players will be keen to get back to winning ways as they prepare to face Chelsea, who remain unbeaten in the Premier League.
United, on the other hand, have endured a mixed start, winning one, drawing one and losing two of their opening four top-flight fixtures.
The latest disappointing result – a hammering at the hands of Manchester City – has left Ruben Amorim in a precarious position, with questions over his future at the club.
It’s understood that Amorim retains the backing of Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the football leadership group, but that faith is likely to be tested if things don’t go well against Chelsea.
With the high-stakes clash approaching, United have issued a statement urging home fans to refrain from homophobic chanting.
United release statement
A club statement reads, “As we prepare to welcome Chelsea FC to Old Trafford this weekend, Manchester United would like to take this opportunity to reaffirm its commitment to ensuring that Old Trafford remains a place where everyone feels safe, respected and valued.”
“We are aware of the use of the “rent boy” chant that has been heard at fixtures involving Chelsea in recent years. We want to be absolutely clear: this chant is offensive, inappropriate and has no place at our stadium or within our game. The Football Association and the Crown Prosecution Service have both confirmed that the chant is considered discriminatory and is classed as a hate crime.”
“As such, supporters who engage in this behaviour risk serious consequences, including ejection from the stadium, banning orders, and potential criminal charges. Within the club’s Official Club Sanctioning Document, this behaviour is identified as a Level 4(c) Offence and carries a three-year suspension.”
“Manchester United is proud to be a diverse and inclusive club, with a global fanbase that reflects communities from every background, faith and orientation. Our All Red All Equal campaign and our partnership with fan groups, including Rainbow Devils, underline our belief that football should be a welcoming environment for everyone.”
“We call on our supporters to uphold the values of our club by avoiding language and behaviour that causes harm or offence. We encourage fans to challenge this chant and any other discriminatory behaviour, and instead channel passion into positive support for the team.”
“We remind fans that they can report abuse or discrimination by texting HELP to 66777 while inside the stadium, or by reporting via Kick It Out.”
United vs. Chelsea kicks off at 5.30 pm.
Featured image Alex Livesey via Getty Images
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Derick Kinoti
Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
