Fourteen other arrests were made during the day, the Metropolitan Police says
The Met has provided a statement
Sixteen Leeds United supporters were reported for homophobic chanting during Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea, the Metropolitan Police has confirmed.
Meanwhile, 14 arrests of unspecified persons were made for various offences in or around Wembley stadium, including an assault on an emergency worker and tailgating – whereby a non-paying person tries to gain entry by closely following a paying fan through the turnstile.
In 2022, the Crown Prosecution Service designated ‘rent boy’ chanting under homophobic abuse and those charged could face prosecution under the hate crime act. Jimmy Savile chants were also heard during the match, though these are not currently classed as a hate crime.
Leeds United FC, with whom the late paedophile had no connection, are pushing for them to be categorised as tragedy chanting, and thereby an offence to carry out. The Met says the semi-final had “passed off largely without incident” but outlines that some arrests had been made.
A spokesperson for the Force said: “There were 14 arrests in or around the stadium for offences including GBH, ABH, affray, assault on an emergency worker, common assault and tailgating.
“A further 18 people were not arrested but will be reported for consideration of prosecution for other offences. This includes 16 Leeds fans who were seen and heard to be engaged in homophobic chanting.”
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