Manchester United has issued a stern reminder to supporters about discriminatory behaviour before hosting Chelsea on Saturday, with particular focus on a chant that authorities have designated as a hate crime.
The club has explicitly addressed the "rent boy" chant that has been directed at Chelsea supporters during previous encounters.
In their statement, United emphasised that Old Trafford must remain an environment where all attendees feel secure and welcome.
The Football Association and Crown Prosecution Service have both determined that this particular chant constitutes discriminatory conduct and falls under hate crime legislation.
Manchester United fans have been warned about chants ahead of Chelsea clash
|REUTERS
The warning arrives as Ruben Amorim's team prepares to face Chelsea following their recent Manchester derby loss.
Supporters who participate in this offensive behaviour face severe penalties, according to the club's announcement.
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Those caught engaging in the chant risk immediate removal from the stadium, potential criminal prosecution, and stadium bans lasting three years.
"As such, supporters who engage in this behaviour risk serious consequences, including ejection from the stadium, banning orders, and potential criminal charges," the club stated in their warning to fans.
The Red Devils have urged their fanbase to report any discriminatory conduct they witness during matches. United's statement called for supporters to actively challenge inappropriate chanting and redirect their energy towards backing the team in a positive manner.
Discriminatory chanting has no place in football.
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) September 18, 2025
We have issued a statement ahead of Saturday's game against Chelsea ⤵️
Manchester United highlighted their dedication to diversity through their All Red All Equal initiative and collaboration with Rainbow Devils, their LGBTQ+ supporters group.
The club described itself as having a worldwide following that encompasses people of all backgrounds, beliefs and sexual orientations.
"Our All Red All Equal campaign and our partnership with fan groups, including Rainbow Devils, underline our belief that football should be a welcoming environment for everyone," the club declared.
United's statement urged supporters to maintain the club's principles by refraining from harmful or offensive language.
The club encouraged fans to oppose discriminatory conduct and instead direct their enthusiasm towards constructive team support during Saturday's 5:30pm kick-off at Old Trafford.
Recent Home Office data revealed that Manchester United supporters recorded the highest arrest figures among all clubs last season, with 121 fans detained.
This compared to 94 Manchester City supporters and 77 from West Ham, whose fans accumulated the most banning orders at 112.
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Ruben Amorim has come under fire in recent weeks at Manchester United
|REUTERS
Overall, 1,803 football-related arrests occurred across England's top six divisions in 2024/25, marking a 12 per cent reduction from the previous season's 2,043.
Magistrates issued 685 new banning orders during the year, bringing the total to 2,439 - the highest since 2013.
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Fans have been warned they face criminal charges
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Chelsea previously welcomed the FA's 2023 decision to classify the homophobic chant as rule-breaking behaviour.
The Blues stated the chant "is intolerable and has no place in football or anywhere else."