Leeds United recently met with representatives from Marching Out Together to discuss the club’s ongoing work around educating supporters on the consequences of their behaviour at home and away games and online.

Following the FA charge which was received after an incident that happened at our match against Brighton & Hove Albion in March 2023, the club were fined £150,000 and provided with an action plan to help improve supporter behaviour moving forwards and prevent any recurrences.

The club were found to have failed in ensuring its spectators and/or supporters conducted themselves in an orderly fashion, with the use of abusive, offensive, homophobic, discriminatory chanting.

Leeds United have a zero-tolerance policy towards the use of any homophobic or discriminatory language, abuse or gestures, and those who are found to be using improper and indecent language or discriminating against other fans, staff or players could be committing a criminal offence and could be banned from attending matches.

Since the charge, the club have been working behind-the-scenes to develop existing initiatives and continue improving communication with supporters to ensure we are as inclusive as possible and proactive in our approach to identifying those using unacceptable and inappropriate language, not just at Elland Road but also at any away matches.

Marching Out Together, the club’s official LGBTQ+ supporters’ group, work closely with the club throughout the year and members of the group came into Elland Road to hear more about the work that is being done alongside the action plan, and to see how they could support, whilst also offering any feedback and advice.

Andrew Tilly, one of the founders of Marching Out Together, said: “Leeds United has taken significant steps to challenge discrimination and encourage inclusion. These important initiatives are supported by the vast majority of fans, and we are proud that the club has been at the forefront of challenging homophobia in the game.

“However, on occasion the good work is undermined by inappropriate collective chanting or abuse from individuals. We urge fans to continue to support the team with the passion that’s made us legendary, but please remember discriminatory behaviour is never acceptable; and at times is illegal. Support the team in the right way. Real fans don’t discriminate!”

The club will continue to work with Marching Out Together around key campaigns such as Rainbow Laces, Pride, and the upcoming LGBTQ+ History Month in February, but also throughout the season on educating fans around homophobia, and specifically any language or gestures that are offensive and can impact fans who are simply trying to support the team we all love.

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