‘We have a problem’ – Nottingham Forest’s LGBT+ fans do not feel welcome at club after Chelsea chant

Nottingham Forest’s LGBT+ supporters’ group have condemned their fellow fans following the homophobic chants in a 1-1 draw with Chelsea on Sunday.

In a statement released on social media, they said: “We’re tired of trying to explain to the uneducated why the chant is wrong on all levels, we’re not tired of fighting for equality and inclusion.

“We have a problem and an issue when our own fans think this type of chant is acceptable and it makes us question how welcome we actually are at our own club.

“We are grateful and appreciative of the work Nottingham Forest will put into this, hopefully, stewards and the wider safety team will be educated on it for the future too.

“We more than appreciate the work Nottingham’s football police officers do and how they support us also. But today has shown that, if nothing else, some of the fans have helped call this behaviour out as unacceptable.

“Groups like ours, Chelsea Pride and Pride in Football work tirelessly to ensure inclusion for us all. We thank you for your support too.”

Nottingham Forest released a statement following the homophobic chanting that took place concerning a “minority” of supporters.

It read: “The club are aware of reports concerning chants aimed at Chelsea supporters from a minority of fans this evening and do not condone any type of discriminatory or offensive behaviour.

“The matter will be fully investigated.”

Director of public prosecutions, Max Hill KC, said that the Crown Prosecution Service would be looking for more serious punishment for those found guilty of singing the chant to crack down on homophobic behaviour.

“Along with racist slurs, we have reconfirmed that homophobic chants are unacceptable and could be subject to prosecution if there is sufficient evidence after a police investigation.

“As a mark of how seriously we take this offending, we will always ask for harsher sentences as it amounts to a hate crime. If you see, read or hear of any offensive racist and homophobic language, please report it to the police who will investigate.

“And if our legal tests are met, we will seek to serve justice through the prosecution of these horrendous actions.”