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West Ham United have been handed a £120,000 fine by the Football Association following incidents of homophobic chanting by some of the club’s fans during their 2-1 defeat to Chelsea in the Premier League on 3 February.
The sanction, announced on Friday, follows an investigation by an independent Regulatory Commission, which concluded that the club failed to adequately control its supporters during the match at Stamford Bridge. As part of the disciplinary outcome, the FA also imposed an action plan on West Ham.
“It was alleged that the club failed to ensure its spectators and/or supporters (and anyone purporting to be supporters) did not behave in an improper, offensive, abusive, indecent or insulting way with either an express or implied reference to sexual orientation,” the FA said in an official statement.
The East London club acknowledged the misconduct charge and accepted responsibility for the discriminatory behaviour exhibited by sections of its fanbase. “The club has a zero-tolerance policy towards discriminatory, abusive and insulting behaviour, and those identified will, in addition to any criminal charges they face, be issued with club bans,” said West Ham.
The case was brought forward in March after the FA charged West Ham with misconduct under rules revised in 2023, which explicitly allow for sanctions in cases involving homophobic chanting.
In its findings, the regulatory commission concluded that the behaviour constituted a criminal offence and confirmed the financial penalty.
West Ham have reiterated their commitment to combating all forms of discrimination, stating they “unequivocally condemn” such conduct.
The club concluded the 2024/25 Premier League season in 14th place, securing 43 points.
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