Hull City accept FA fine over discriminatory chants in Chelsea cup tie

Hull City have accepted a £30,000 Football Association fine after discriminatory chanting during February’s FA Cup tie against Chelsea at the MKM Stadium, a match the visitors won 4-0. The club have also issued fresh guidance before Saturday’s Premier League trip to Stamford Bridge, where they will meet Chelsea again.

What changed for the club

The FA case centred on homophobic chanting from sections of the home support during the cup defeat. Hull were charged for failing to prevent supporters, or people presenting themselves as supporters, from using improper, abusive, indecent or insulting language connected to sexual orientation.

Three people were arrested at the match on suspicion of homophobic chanting. Hull have since confirmed that three individuals have received stadium bans of at least three years.

Supporters were warned repeatedly through the stadium public-address system and on big screens during the February fixture. One supporters’ group described the conduct as a stain on the game.

Hull said they condemned the language used by those responsible without reservation. The club stressed that the chant involved is recognised as a homophobic slur, and that its use can amount to a hate crime, carrying the possibility of arrest and criminal proceedings.

Competition context

The original incident came in the FA Cup, when Chelsea left the MKM Stadium with a 4-0 win. The clubs now face each other in a Premier League fixture with both positioned near the top of the early table.

• Hull City are third, having taken seven points from two victories and one draw.
• Chelsea sit fourth after winning two matches and losing one.
• Saturday’s game therefore brings together two sides competing in the early top-four places.

What is scheduled next

Hull travel to Stamford Bridge on Saturday and have directly asked their travelling fans not to repeat the chant. The club have made clear that discrimination in any form will not be accepted at the match.

With the FA punishment imposed and the bans confirmed, Hull hope the sanctions will discourage further incidents. Stadium security will remain a key consideration for the London fixture as the club seek a safe occasion on and off the pitch.