West Ham hit with huge fine for homophobic chanting by fans against Chelsea that was caught on video
WEST Ham have been hit with a £120,000 fine after homophobic chants by fans during the Prem defeat at Chelsea in February.
The Hammers were charged failing to control supporters in March for the “mass chanting” of a number of visiting fans during the 62nd minute of the game at Stamford Bridge.
FA beaks added that the chants were of a discriminatory nature, with West Ham admitting responsibility within four days of the charge being laid.
Social media clips uploaded by traveling supporters were evidence of the concerted chants, lasting at least 40 seconds, directed at Chelsea players and fans.
The three member FA disciplinary commission ruled: “The evidence suggests there was a very significant number of West Ham supporters involved in the homophobic chanting.
“It can properly be categorised as “mass chanting”.
“This conclusion is supported by the fact that the post-match complaint was based on the chanting being clearly audible at the match and the video footage that depicts the chanting clearly and loudly by many West Ham supporters.
“The words used by the offending spectators referenced a negative attitude towards the LGBT+ community and a perceived association of that community with Chelsea FC. 30.”
In his letter to the panel, West Ham club secretary Andrew Pincher conceded there was an “obvious risk of such offending behaviour” from travelling fans.
Both clubs were criticised for failing to “respond” to the homophobic chanting during the match.
This meant that “none of the offending spectators were therefore identified, ejected and/or arrested for this behaviour”.
The commission also ruled that any measures the Hammers had taken beforehand “were plainly not adequate to prevent such abuse and then to detect a wide range of culprits”.