Hull City has been hit with a £30,000 fine by the Football Association following discriminatory chanting during their FA Cup clash with Chelsea earlier this year. The charge specifically relates to homophobic chanting that occurred during their 4-0 defeat to the London side in February.
The club has also been issued an action plan by an independent regulatory commission. In response, Hull City has strongly condemned the offensive language, identifying the 'rent boy' chant as a homophobic slur that could constitute a hate crime. Three supporters involved have received club bans for a minimum of three years, with the club warning that individuals using such chants may face arrest and criminal charges.
Ahead of their Premier League match against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, the club has reminded all supporters that discrimination will not be tolerated.
In other news, Hull City confirmed earlier on Friday that winger Sorba Thomas was unhurt after his vehicle flipped near the club’s training ground. Images on social media showed a Land Rover Defender upside down, with eyewitnesses reporting the incident around 9am. The Premier League club stated that the Wales international is "totally unscathed" and will travel with the squad for Saturday's match against Chelsea.
The Tigers have made a strong start to their Premier League campaign, having not conceded a goal since their return to the top flight, with victories over Manchester United and Coventry, and a draw against Aston Villa.