Port Vale FC has reiterated its stance on offensive chanting ahead of their FA Cup quarter-final tie against Chelsea.
Vale have sold all of their 6,000 seats for the game which is due to be televised on BBC television during a prime time 5:15pm slot on Saturday. The Valiants reached the last eight thanks to wins over Championship side Bristol City and Premier League side Sunderland in the previous rounds. It is the first time that the club has reached the quarter-final stages since the 1953-54 season.
However, the club are determined to make sure that the travelling support represents the club in a good light and have reminded supporters that “actions of individuals can have consequences for the club as a whole.”
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The full statement was published on the official website and is as follows:
Port Vale Football Club is aware of the highly offensive and discriminatory nature of homophobic chanting that has been heard within football grounds, specifically during games involving Chelsea FC. We would like to take this opportunity to reiterate our zero-tolerance approach to such behaviour.
Ahead of our Emirates FA Cup Quarter-Final, we remind all supporters that homophobic chanting is unacceptable and has no place in our game or our community.
Football should be a welcoming, safe and inclusive environment for everyone, and we are committed to upholding those values at Vale Park.
To be clear, homophobic chanting is a hate crime and can result in stadium bans and criminal proceedings.
Any individual found to be engaging in discriminatory behaviour may face serious consequences, including removal from the stadium, the issuing of a banning order, and potential further action in line with relevant regulations and legislation.
We also remind supporters that the actions of individuals can have consequences for the club as a whole, and we ask all fans to play their part in representing Port Vale with pride, respect and integrity.
We encourage supporters to report any instances of discriminatory behaviour to the nearest steward or via the club’s reporting procedures.
Together, we can ensure that football remains a game for everyone.
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