Manchester United Warn Fans Over Offensive Chanting Ahead of Chelsea Clash

• United issued a statement warning supporters against offensive chants directed at Chelsea.
• The club specifically condemned the use of the “rent boy” chant, calling it offensive and inappropriate.
• Sanctions for fans include ejection, banning orders, or possible criminal charges.

Manchester United have warned fans about their behaviour when Chelsea visit Old Trafford on Saturday, amid fears that Alejandro Garnacho’s return could spark offensive chanting.

Garnacho, 21, is expected to receive a hostile reception when he comes back to Old Trafford for the first time since his summer move to Stamford Bridge. The winger was exiled by manager Ruben Amorim after publicly criticising him following the Europa League final defeat to Tottenham in May.

United have issued pre-match guidance before fixtures against Chelsea in the past, including statements from fan group Rainbow Devils. This time the club has acted early to try to preempt any offensive chanting, warning there will be “consequences” if supporters are caught using chants which include an anti-gay slur.

A United club statement issued on Thursday said: “As we prepare to welcome Chelsea FC to Old Trafford this weekend, Manchester United would like to take this opportunity to reaffirm its commitment to ensuring that Old Trafford remains a place where everyone feels safe, respected and valued.

“We are aware of the use of the ‘rent boy’ chant that has been heard at fixtures involving Chelsea in recent years. We want to be absolutely clear: this chant is offensive, inappropriate and has no place at our stadium or within our game.”

United confirmed that the chant is considered a hate crime by both the Football Association and the Crown Prosecution Service. The club also outlined punishments including ejection from Old Trafford, issuing banning orders, or pursuing criminal charges for any supporters involved.

The statement continued: “We call on our supporters to uphold the values of our club by avoiding language and behaviour that causes harm or offence.

“We encourage fans to challenge this chant and any other discriminatory behaviour, and instead channel passion into positive support for the team.”