Tottenham condemn ‘abhorrent’ homophobic chanting in win over Manchester United

Tottenham have issued a statement condemning the ‘abhorrent’ and ‘unacceptable’ homophobic chanting heard from the away end during the side’s 3-0 defeat of Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Goals from Brennan Johnson, Dejan Kulusevski and Dominic Solanke secured Spurs a comprehensive victory over Erik ten Hag’s ten-man United, with the hosts reduced to ten men after Bruno Fernandes sending off in the 42nd minute.

It was a fine performance and a fourth win on the bounce from an in-form Tottenham, who rose to eighth in the Premier League table with the result.

But the win has been somewhat overshadowed by despicable chanting heard amongst Spurs’ away support at the Theatre of Dreams, believed to be aimed at United midfielder – and ex-Chelsea star – Mason Mount.

The north London club wasted little time in denouncing the chanting and vowed to cooperate with the police and stewards inside the stadium to identify those involved.

‘The club is aware of abhorrent homophobic chanting from sections of our away support at Old Trafford today,’ a statement on Tottenham’s official website read.

‘This is simply unacceptable, hugely offensive and no way to show support for the team.

‘The club will be working closely with the police and stewards to identify anyone instigating or joining in with the chanting – we shall take the strongest possible action in accordance with our Sanctions and Banning Policy.

‘Supporters in attendance today can report anything they’ve seen or heard in confidence to supporterservices@tottenhamhotspur.com

‘We shall be continuing our work with our LGBTQ+ supporters’ association, Proud Lilywhites, to ensure a welcoming and inclusive environment for all fans on matchdays.’

The statement underlined that Tottenham were ‘proud’ of their fans but had a responsibility to crack down on instances of discrimination.

‘We are justly proud of our superb and loyal support, home and away,’ the statement continued.

‘However, we all have a responsibility to act as ambassadors of Tottenham Hotspur and discrimination of any kind has no place at our club.’

Tottenham fan Nigel Carrington was fined £300 and convicted of a hate crime after chanting homophobic abuse in the side’s Premier League clash with London rivals Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in January 2022.

The following February, another supporter was arrested following complaints of homophobic chants during Tottenham’s 2-0 defeat of Chelsea.

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