HULL CITY FINED £30,000 FOR HOMOPHOBIC CHANTING AT FA CUP MATCH

Hull City have been fined £30,000 by the Football Association over discriminatory chanting during their 4-0 FA Cup defeat to Chelsea in February. The charge relates to homophobic chanting at the MKM Stadium, with the FA stating the club failed to ensure spectators did not use offensive language with reference to sexual orientation. Three supporters identified as having engaged in the chanting have been banned by the club for a minimum of three years. Hull City accepted the charge on Friday.

The club issued a statement condemning the chanting "in the strongest possible terms" and confirmed the chant in question is recognised as a homophobic slur. During the February match, spectators were repeatedly warned to stop the chants over the public address system and messages were displayed on screens. Three people were arrested for allegedly engaging in the homophobic chanting. One fan group described the behaviour as a "stain on our game".

Ahead of Hull City's Premier League match against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, the club reminded supporters that discrimination of any kind is wholly unacceptable and will not be tolerated. The club warned that individuals found using the chant may be arrested and face criminal charges. Hull City has also been issued with an action plan by the independent regulatory commission. The Tigers travel to face Chelsea having not conceded a goal since returning to the Premier League this season.