Football fans warned over inappropriate chants

Football fans are being warned against using inappropriate chants at matches.

Bristol Rovers said they were "disappointed" to hear some chants and songs at recent fixtures which included "racial undertones, homophobic references and outdated stereotypes".

The club warned that people could face stadium bans or criminal prosecution if they were found to be using them.

Helen Wigmore, speaking on behalf of Bristol Rovers Supporters Club, said: "We just want everyone who comes to the Memorial Stadium to enjoy their match day experience."

The warning is supported by Leroy Rosenior MBE - a former Bristol City striker who now works as an anti-racism campaigner in the football industry.

“I loved playing football and I was very fortunate to have a football career, but unfortunately, I had to put up with a lot of racism," he said.

He said the problem was never recognised when he was playing in the 1980s and 1990s, but welcomed the "step forward" by Bristol Rovers in addressing the issue.

Rosenior said some fans might think the chants were funny, and those who did not join in might be shunned for having no sense of humour. He added others might just be too afraid to speak up against it.

"It isn’t just words that you can brush off - it has a tangible effect on people’s lives," Rosenior said.

"It needs to be stopped. It stops people from achieving what they want to achieve, it hampers people in their lives and that’s not fair."

Bristol Rovers said it was committed to communicating and educating fans about the impact of such chants without dampening their "passionate support" for the club.

In a statement, a spokesperson for the club said: "What has become evident is that some people involved in these songs may not recognise the harm such words can cause, or the effect these chants can have on players, coaching staff or fellow match-going supporters."

They added the club had a duty and responsibility to report and take action against those engaging with inappropriate chants.

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