Source:REUTERS/Peter Cziborra
[Saba Sports News] Recently, Manchester United posted a video on its official website warning fans that chanting “Chelsea Rent Boy” during matches could lead to arrest, as singing this chant in public is now classified as a hate crime by UK police. Manchester United will host Chelsea in the Premier League this weekend. Alejandro Garnacho, who joined Chelsea, will return to Old Trafford but might face hostility and unfriendly treatment from United fans. On the eve of the match, United also reminded fans to be mindful of their words and actions, otherwise they could face arrest by the police. Manchester United stated that the term “Rent Boy” is a slur referring to male sex workers, and its use has been classified as a hate crime by the English FA and UK police. Fans using this chant could be ejected from the stadium, banned, or face criminal charges. Manchester United’s statement clearly said: “The chant is offensive, inappropriate, and has no place in our stadium or our game.” The club also posted a 4-minute video on its official website explaining the history of the term and repeatedly emphasized the harmful nature of this offensive chant. The video begins with a content warning, noting that some viewers might be affected or disturbed by its content.