The homophobic chanting occurred during Tuesday’s match
Leeds United have condemned homophobic chanting aimed at Crystal Palace midfielder Conor Gallagher during Tuesday’s game at Elland Road, as per The Athletic.
The 21-year-old was subjected to chants of “Chelsea rent boy” from a section of home fans during the first half of Leeds’ 1-0 win against the Eagles.
The fixture coincided with the Premier League’s ongoing Rainbow Laces campaign against homophobia.
After Gallagher – who is on a season-long loan from Chelsea – was booked for a foul on Raphinha, he was subjected to abusive taunts.
A Leeds club spokesperson said: “Overall the support from Leeds United supporters at last night’s game with Crystal Palace was magnificent. Once again the fans got behind the team and played a huge part in pushing the players on to get the late winner.
“However, we are aware of a homophobic chant directed at a Crystal Palace player and we want to be very clear that this is unacceptable.
“We will continue to work closely with Marching Out Together and all of our supporter groups to ensure that we do everything within our power to eradicate homophobia and any other form of discrimination from our football club.”
Marching Out Together – Leeds’ LGBT+ supporters group – also released a statement, with a spokesperson stating: “Last night was our Rainbow Laces game. The club have actively supported the campaign again this year with players discussing LGBT+ inclusion on podcasts and addressing schools. They have been photographed holding rainbow flags and they wore special pre-match shirts.
“The board and coaching staff all wore Marching Out Together badges and there was active promotion of Rainbow Laces on the club’s social media site, which went well beyond any requirements from the Premier League.
“The work we do with the club receives the support from the overwhelming majority of Leeds fans who welcome inclusion and support for the LGBT+ community.
“However, work still needs to be done and unacceptable chanting can still occasionally be heard. The chant last night is one example of that. It is unarguably homophobic and unacceptable at all times.
“It was certainly regrettable to hear – but the club’s powerful message of support for equality resonated much stronger on a night where we could celebrate things that are changing for the better in football when it comes to LGBT+ inclusion.”
Elland Road featured Rainbow Laces emblems throughout the stadium, with Leeds captain Liam Cooper also wearing an armband which showed the emblems.
Related links:
- Watford investigating homophobic chanting at Southampton game
- Jurgen Klopp calls on Liverpool fans to stop singing homophobic chant
- Why the ‘Chelsea rent boy’ chant is homophobic – Proud Canaries interview
