Liverpool slam supporters after claims that Reds fans aimed ‘homophobic chanting targeting Chelsea loanee Billy Gilmour’ during win over Norwich
- Billy Gilmour was reportedly the target of ‘homophobic chanting’ on Saturday
- Liverpool fan group Kop Outs referred to a ‘rent boy’ chant in reporting abuse
- The chant has long been targeted at Chelsea according to Kick It Out
- Gilmour has arrived at Norwich City this season on loan from the Blues
Liverpool have hit out at sections of their fanbase following reports that ‘homophobic chanting’ was directed at Chelsea loanee Billy Gilmour during their 3-0 win at Norwich on Saturday.
The club reacted to a tweet posted by one of the club’s fan groups, ‘Kop Outs’, that represents the LGBT+ community, who reported abuse aimed at the Scotland midfielder.
Kop Outs posted: ‘Great result today marred by homophobic chanting by some of our fans targeting Chelsea loanee Billy Gilmour. If you can’t support without resorting to bigoted nonsense, you don’t understand YNWA [You’ll Never Walk Alone].’
Norwich City’s Billy Gillmour was reportedly targeted for homophobic abuse by Liverpool fans during the Reds’ 3-0 victory at Carrow Road
The fan group posted the message having quoted a 2019 tweet from another equality organisation, ‘Kick It Out’, in reference to a ‘rent boy’ chant – which according to them has long been targeted at the west London club.
After the match, Liverpool referred to Kop Outs’ tweet with a statement on the social media platform.
The club said: ‘The chant is offensive and inappropriate – a message we have repeatedly communicated alongside Kop Outs.
Liverpool fans reacted after the match to a Tweet posted by fan group Kop Outs
Kop Outs referred to a ‘rent boy’ chant while claiming abuse was directed at Gilmour
‘We urge supporters to remember the inclusive values of the club and to refrain from using it in the future.’
Liverpool Supporters Union Spirit of Shankly tweeted in response to the news later on Saturday night: ‘Solidarity with our LGBT+ supporters & affiliates!’
Kick It Out have long campaigned for football supporters to stop making the ‘rent boy’ chants, previously stating: We are absolutely clear, the chant is homophobic and must be treated as such.’
Diogo Jota, Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah were all on target for Jurgen Klopp’s men at Carrow Road as they comfortably defeated one of the Premier League’s newly promoted sides.