sportbible logo

To make sure you never miss out on your favourite NEW stories, we're happy to send you some reminders

Click 'OK' then 'Allow' to enable notifications

Leeds United Condemn 'Unacceptable' Homophobic Chants Aimed At Crystal Palace's Conor Gallagher

Leeds United Condemn 'Unacceptable' Homophobic Chants Aimed At Crystal Palace's Conor Gallagher

The chants came during a game which promoted the Premier League's Rainbow Laces campaign.

Daniel Marland

Daniel Marland

Leeds United have condemned homophobic chants aimed at Crystal Palace midfielder Conor Gallagher during their clash on on Tuesday evening.

Marcelo Bielsa's side secured a dramatic victory in added time thanks to a Raphinha penalty and it moves them five points above the relegation zone.

However, there were ugly scenes in the crowd when Gallagher was booked for fouling Raphinha in the first half.

The 21-year-old, who is on loan from Chelsea, received taunts of "Chelsea rent boy" from fans in attendance at Elland Road.

Image
PA

This week's games have seen the Premier League push their Rainbow Laces campaign as the battle against homophobia in sport continues.

Rainbow laces emblems were around the stadium while captains Liam Cooper and Joel Ward wore armbands with the emblem on show.

An official statement from Leeds United reads: "Overall the support from Leeds United supporters at last night's game with Crystal Palace was magnificent.

"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.

Image
PA


Image
PA

"We will continue to work closely with Marching Out Together [Leeds' LGBT+ supporters group] 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."

Leeds attempted to sign Gallagher on loan from Chelsea during the summer before he opted to join Palace.

Last season saw Gallagher impress at West Bromwich Albion despite the club being relegated and he's continued to shine under at Selhurst Park under Patrick Vieira, scoring four times and assisting three.

His performances this season saw him earn a first England call-up earlier this month and he debuted in the 10-0 thrashing of San Marino.

Gallagher isn't the first Chelsea loanee to be hit with homophobic chants this season, with Billy Gilmour receiving abuse during his Norwich City debut against Liverpool back in August.

Liverpool were quick to condemn the chants.

Featured Image Credit: PA Images

Topics: Football, Premier League, England, Conor Gallagher, Leeds United, Crystal Palace