Leeds' Liam Cooper tweets "Football is for all" along with a picture of his rainbow armband which captains wear in solidarity with the LGBT+ community; The FA said it is working with the UK Football Policing Unit and CPS to help change the legal framework around the homophobic term
Wednesday 1 December 2021 15:55, UK
Leeds United have condemned homophobic abuse aimed at Conor Gallagher during Tuesday night’s Premier League victory at home to Crystal Palace.
"Chelsea rent boy" was chanted at the on-loan Palace midfielder during the game at Elland Road. which Leeds won 1-0 thanks to a stoppage-time penalty from Raphinha.
Leeds called the chant "unacceptable", while defender Liam Cooper tweeted "Football is for all" along with a picture of his rainbow armband which captains wear in solidarity with the LGBT+ community.
The FA's Equality, Inclusion and Diversity Director, Edleen John told Sky Sports News back in August there is a determination to drive the rent boy slur out of the game and that it should be comparable to racist abuse.
"Overall the support from Leeds United supporters at last night's game with Crystal Palace was magnificent," a Leeds statement said.
"Once again the fans got behind the team and played a huge part in pushing the players on to get the late winner.
"However, we are aware of a homophobic chant directed at a Crystal Palace player and we want to be very clear that this is unacceptable.
"We will continue to work closely with Marching Out Together and all of our supporter groups to ensure that we do everything within our power to eradicate homophobia and any other form of discrimination from our football club."
When contacted by Sky Sports News, the FA said it supports Leeds' statement and is working with the UK Football Policing Unit and CPS to help change the legal framework around the term 'rent boy'.
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