The Football Association has slapped Hull City with a £30,000 fine for the discriminatory chanting of their fans. This incident took place in February during an FA Cup clash against Chelsea, where Hull suffered a 4-0 defeat.
Following an investigation, the club admitted to failing to control the behaviour of spectators in the stands. Hull's hierarchy reported that three supporters were arrested and have been banned from attending matches for a minimum of three years. Throughout the February match, the stadium announcer repeatedly urged fans to stop the chants, with corresponding warnings displayed on the screens around the ground.
In an official statement, the club strongly condemned such actions:
“Hull City unequivocally condemns the offensive and inappropriate expressions from those responsible. Such chanting has been identified as homophobic abuse, and its use can be classified as a hate crime.”
Ahead of Saturday's away trip to Stamford Bridge, the club has reminded all fans that any form of discrimination is absolutely unacceptable and will not be tolerated.
The club's management has called on supporters to maintain decorum and refrain from any provocations during the upcoming Premier League fixture in London, stressing the threat of criminal prosecution and the very real possibility of arrests.
