An independent Regulatory Commission has sanctioned Lincoln City FC for two breaches of FA Rules E21.1 and E21.4 during its EFL League Cup fixture against Chelsea FC on Tuesday 23 September 2025.
It was alleged Lincoln City FC failed to ensure that spectators and/or its supporters (and anyone purporting to be its supporters or followers) conduct themselves in an orderly fashion and do not use words or behave in an improper and/or offensive and/or abusive and/or indecent and/or insulting way with either an express or implied reference to sexual orientation, during the 29th minute of the match, as well as at half-time.
Lincoln City FC subsequently admitted the charge. The Regulatory Commission imposed a £16,000 fine and extended the club’s existing Action Plan until the conclusion of the 2026/2027 season following a hearing, and its written reasons for these decisions can be seen below.
