Man United 'seeking advice' after Romelu Lukaku chant condemned

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Man United 'seeking advice' after Romelu Lukaku chant condemned

After their unbeaten start to the 2017/18 Premier League season, Stewart Robson explains why Manchester United are favourites for the title. (1:56)
19 Sep, 2017

Rob Dawson
ESPN September 19 2017


Manchester United are to seek advice from "relevant bodies" after anti-discrimination group Kick It Out urged the club to ban an "offensive" chant about Romelu Lukaku.

A small number of United fans were filmed singing the song during the 3-0 Champions League win over Basel at Old Trafford last week.

Lyrics in the chant, to the tune of the Stone Roses' "Made of Stone," that reference the size of Lukaku's penis have been branded "discriminatory" by Kick It Out, who have called for United to take action.

"Kick It Out is aware of footage of alleged racist chanting by supporters of Manchester United that emerged on Wednesday evening (13 September)," said a Kick It Out spokesman.

"The lyrics used in the chant are offensive and discriminatory. Racist stereotypes are never acceptable in football or wider society, irrespective of any intention to show support for a player.

"We have contacted Manchester United regarding the issue and will be working closely with them and The FA to ensure that it is addressed swiftly.

"If we receive any reports relating to the discriminatory chant, those will be passed on to the governing body and the perpetrators can expect to face punishment."

In response, United issued their own statement which read: "We are seeking advice from the relevant bodies. Manchester United has a zero tolerance towards all forms of discrimination."

United also posted a tweet before Wednesday night's Carabao Cup game against Burton Albion reminding the fans of their responsibilities, which read: "We remind fans of our commitment to ensuring Old Trafford remains inclusive for all. Action will be taken against any offensive behaviour."

Sources have told ESPN FC Greater Manchester Police have not received any complaints about the incident and are not currently investigating.

United have acted to stop offensive chants in the past.

During the 2000-01 season, a message in the matchday programme urged fans to stop singing a song about Manchester City that referenced the Kursk Submarine disaster.

And in 2009, manager Sir Alex Ferguson wrote an open letter to supporters to condemn a chant about Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger.

Earlier this month, Chelsea issued a statement to urge fans to refrain from singing an anti-Semitic song about striker Alvaro Morata.


http://www.espn.co.uk/football/manch...hant-condemned