West Ham and Chelsea issue statements following chanting in Premier League game at Stamford Bridge on Saturday
Monday 2 December 2019 21:58, UK
West Ham say they do not condone the homophobic chants their supporters are accused of using during the 1-0 win at Chelsea on Saturday.
Supporters groups of both clubs, including the Hammers' LGBT fans group Pride of Irons, Chelsea Pride and the Chelsea Supporters Trust, reported the 'continuous' abuse during the Premier League game at Stamford Bridge.
Following statements from those groups, West Ham have told Sky Sports News they do not condone any behaviour that falls short of the highest standards when it comes to equality.
A West Ham spokesperson said: "West Ham United in no way condones any behaviour that falls short of the highest standards which the Club sets when it comes to equality.
"At London Stadium against Arsenal on Monday night, we will be celebrating and demonstrating the great work the Club does to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for ALL supporters, including our LGBT+ fanbase, as part of our ongoing and unwavering support for the Rainbow Laces campaign."
Kick It Out also issued a statement via social media to say they had received "numerous reports" about the chanting.
Before Saturday's game, Chelsea had warned fans not to use discriminatory behaviour in chants towards their opposition, with the club putting out a strongly worded statement calling on West Ham to criticise those responsible.
It said: "Just as we criticise our supporters when they have been guilty of discriminatory behaviour, we expect other clubs to stand up, speak out and do the same."
