Wrexham has alerted fans that they may face “serious consequences,” which could include possible criminal charges, if found to have used anti-gay slurs.
This warning comes in advance of Saturday’s FA Cup fifth-round match against Chelsea at the SToK Cae Ras, and it also serves as a reminder that the club may incur significant penalties for any discriminatory actions.
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A statement from the club noted: “We recognize that the highly offensive and inappropriate chant of ‘rent boys’ has been heard at Chelsea matches in recent years and would like to take this opportunity to reaffirm our zero-tolerance stance on discriminatory conduct.
“Anyone participating in this conduct will face serious repercussions — including removal from the venue, a banning order, and North Wales Police have confirmed they will pursue arrests and criminal charges. According to the Club’s Exclusion Matrix, this would be classified as a level five offense and result in an automatic three-year ban.
“Additionally, the football club could face severe penalties if its supporters are found to have engaged in such conduct.”
Hull City reported that several arrests were made for discriminatory chanting following the team’s 4-0 FA Cup fourth-round loss to Chelsea.
In January 2022, the Crown Prosecution Service officially designated the chant as an anti-gay slur and thus a hate crime. Individuals caught using the term could be subject to prosecution under hate crime legislation.
PA contributed to this report.
