Like all Spurs fans, we’re looking forward to today’s clash against Chelsea. However, unlike all other Spurs fans, we’re also approaching the game with an impending fear of dread at the prospect of hearing the ‘Chelsea Rent Boy’ chant.

Let’s not kid ourselves that the ‘rent boy’ chant is somehow not homophobic. If it wasn’t, it wouldn’t be sung, and as with the antisemitic and racist chants and noises – they’re sung precisely to be insulting and hateful. It’s also exposing a new generation of young fans to words and terms that provoke questions they shouldn’t have to ask.

The chant has been heard at grounds this season and whilst we are certain that the majority of fans don’t sing this with any intent to make LGBTQ+ fans, feel uncomfortable, ostracised or demeaned, the impact it has on us shouldn’t be underestimated as the term has been used over many years to victimise young gay men; it’s disappointing to hear it chanted when Chelsea play. We hope we won’t hear it on Sunday.

We’re Spurs, and should be better.

We know from our great work with our Club that they are completely supportive of the Proud Lilywhites and our global LGBTQ+ fan base. They are committed to ensuring our stadium is a safe and inclusive environment for all fans and won’t tolerate any form of discriminatory behaviour. We’re proud to be part of a club that fights all forms of discrimination – on and off the pitch, and the support we get from fellow fans echoes this.

We all love this game and we want to win matches and trophies, but we want to do it with style. Homophobic language, when unchallenged, can have consequences: together, we have to be the change we want to see. Making change, fan by fan if necessary, is why we’re here and we won’t rest until we’ve done it.

Should you hear or experience anything you consider to be unacceptable, or that goes against the Spurs Respects ethos you can report it to the Club following the guidance below:

Should you witness behaviour that is abusive or discriminative then please report it immediately either via a steward or by messaging confidentially on 07537 404821. These messages are received directly by the safety team at the match and enable the Club to take immediate action.

You can also use the Kick it Out app and we would also appreciate it if you could contact us through our contact form HERE so that we can continue to work with the Club to eradicate homophobia in our amazing Club.

We all want the team to do well and keep up their spirits during this tough period, so let’s start the weekend together.