We strongly condemn all offensive, abusive and discriminatory chanting in football stadiums, and are determined to stamp this behaviour out. These chants can have a lasting and damaging impact on people and communities within our game, and it must stop.
Today, we have formally written to all clubs across the Premier League, EFL, National League, Barclays Women’s Super League, Barclays Women’s Championship and Steps 2-4, to remind them that it can pursue formal disciplinary action against any club whose supporters engage in discriminatory behaviour, now including the use of the term ‘Rent Boy’.
This important step follows the recent successful prosecution of an individual by the Crown Prosecution Service for homophobic abuse, specifically relating to the term ‘Rent Boy’.
The FA has now informed all clubs that it considers the ‘Rent Boy’ chant to be a breach of the FA Rules. These rules apply to the conduct of supporters at both home and away fixtures, and clubs at all levels of English football have a responsibility to ensure their spectators behave appropriately when attending matches.
We take all allegations of discrimination extremely seriously and would encourage anybody who has been subject to, or a witness of incidents of discrimination, to report it to the FA, the club or the relevant authorities so it can be investigated thoroughly.
Together English football can drive meaningful and positive change so that stadiums can be a safe and enjoyable environment for all.
