Tottenham Hotspur have been fined £75,000 by the Football Association (FA) after homophobic chanting was heard from a section of their supporters during a Premier League fixture against Manchester United, the Daily Mail reports.
The chants were aimed at United forward Mason Mount and Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta during the 3-0 win against the Red Devils at Old Trafford in September.
Tottenham were initially charged by the FA in November for failing to keep their supporters in line. It was alleged that Spurs fans did not conduct themselves in an orderly fashion.
The chants also allegedly included improper, offensive, and abusive language with references – either explicit or implied – to sexual orientation.
Tottenham took responsibility for breaching FA Rule E21 and were issued a £150,000 fine and a formal warning. They were also required to submit an action plan to address the issue.
But after launching an appeal, the fine was slashed by half.
Tottenham were quick to react to the incident, condemning the behaviour of their fans through an official club statement on the day of the match.
“This is simply unacceptable, hugely offensive and no way to show support for the team,” the club statement read.
“The club will be working closely with the police and stewards to identify anyone instigating or joining in with the chanting – we shall take the strongest possible action in accordance with our sanctions and banning policy.”
Tottenham’s official LGBTQI+ supporters group, Proud Lilywhites, also weighed in. While they celebrated the 3-0 win, they didn’t hold back in their criticism of what happened in the stands.
“Loved what happened on the pitch at Old Trafford – didn’t love the homophobic chanting off the pitch,” the statement from the supporters group read.
“We’re all Spurs fans just like you. When you sing these songs you’re telling us we don’t belong; and we do – as much as you do.”