Kick It Out asks Man Utd to ban racist Romelu Lukaku chant
Football’s anti-discrimination group hits out at racial stereotyping
Kick It Out, the anti-racism organisation, has contacted Manchester United regarding the offensive content of a fans’ chant about its new star striker Romelu Lukaku.
Footage has emerged of United fans singing a song about Lukaku during last week’s Champions League match against Basel. It has been reported that the song was also sung against Everton in the Premier League on Saturday.
Set to the tune of the Stone Roses’ Made of Stone, the chant’s lyrics make reference to the size of Lukaku’s manhood.
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A Kick It Out spokesman told The Times: “Kick It Out is aware of footage of alleged racist chanting by supporters of Manchester United that emerged on Wednesday evening.
“The lyrics used in the chant are offensive and discriminatory. Racist stereotypes are never acceptable in football or wider society, irrespective of any intention to show support for a player.
“We have contacted Manchester United regarding the issue and will be working closely with them and the FA to ensure that it is addressed swiftly.
“If we receive any reports relating to the discriminatory chant, those will be passed on to the governing body and the perpetrators can expect to face punishment.”
United season-ticket holder Scott Patterson believes the chant “belongs in the 1980s”. He said: “It’s a cheap and insulting stereotype that has no place in this day and age. I was embarrassed to hear that song and I want us to be better than this.”
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