FA charges Cardiff City for alleged homophobic chants against Chelsea

The Football Association has charged Cardiff City after the club’s fans allegedly aimed homophobic chants at Chelsea.

Premier League side Chelsea beat League One leaders Cardiff 3-1 in an EFL Cup quarter-final at Cardiff City Stadium on 16 December.

The FA said: “The club allegedly failed to ensure that its spectators and/or supporters (and anyone purporting to be supporters) don’t use words or behave in an improper, offensive, abusive, indecent or insulting way including a reference – whether express or implied – to sexual orientation around the second minute.”

The FA added that Cardiff have until Tuesday 24 February to provide a response.

In a statement, Cardiff said: “Cardiff City Football Club has responded to an FA charge in relation to homophobic chanting by a minority of individuals during our Carabao Cup fixture with Chelsea.

“As an inclusive club that positions itself at the heart of our community, we strongly condemn the language of identified individuals and fully support South Wales Police’s commitment to holding persons responsible.

“The behaviour of the perpetrators was swiftly recognised during the fixture in question. Internal communication led to police being deployed immediately to the section during the match.

“The club is committed to inclusivity and the protection of all supporters attending our fixtures. Robust and coherent measures were put in place before, during and after this fixture and this has been highlighted in our response to the Football Association.

“No form of discrimination is tolerated at our club, nor should it ever be in society. Supporters are reminded that such behaviour is criminal and is treated as this whenever identified.”