West Ham have been fined £120,000 after a “very significant number of supporters” were found guilty of singing “homophobic chanting” during a Premier League defeat at Chelsea earlier this season.
Days after the match, which was played on Monday, February 3, West Ham released a statement which "strongly condemns the discriminatory and homophobic chants aimed towards opposition supporters".
The Football Association confirmed in March that an investigation had been launched, and has now been concluded. The FA confirm West Ham wholly cooperated.
A statement from the FA reads: “An independent Regulatory Commission has imposed an action plan, £120,000 fine and warning upon West Ham United FC for misconduct in relation to crowd control during its Premier League fixture against Chelsea FC on Monday 3 February.
“It was alleged that the club failed to ensure its spectators and/or supporters (and anyone purporting to be supporters) did not behave in an improper, offensive, abusive, indecent or insulting way with either an express or implied reference to sexual orientation.
“West Ham United FC subsequently admitted the charge. The Regulatory Commission imposed the club's sanctions following a hearing and its written reasons for them can be read below.”
A statement from West Ham, in part, reads: “West Ham United can confirm that the Club has been sanctioned by The Football Association, following the conduct of supporters at the Premier League away fixture at Chelsea on Monday 3 February 2025.
“An independent Regulatory Commission has imposed an action plan, £120,000 fine and a warning over future conduct, after the Club admitted the charge of misconduct, in relation to abusive, offensive, discriminatory, homophobic chanting by supporters.
“Homophobic chanting, which in this case amounted to the commission of a criminal offence, is not consistent with the values and beliefs of West Ham United and the vast majority of the Club’s supporters. The Club has a zero-tolerance policy towards discriminatory, abusive and insulting behaviour, and those identified will, in addition to any criminal charges they face, be issued with Club bans.
“West Ham United unequivocally condemns all forms of offensive and discriminatory conduct and remains committed to working with The FA and all relevant stakeholders to eradicate such behaviour to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all supporters.”
