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Luton Town to co-operate with Leyton Orient over alleged homophobic chanting

General view of Matchroom Stadium, Leyton Orient
Image: Leyton Orient's Matchroom Stadium

Luton Town have issued a statement promising to co-operate with Leyton Orient over allegations of homophobic chanting by some of their fans in Saturday’s match between the sides.

A section of Hatters supporters are alleged to have sung an offensive chant to a group of men in a block of flats which overlooks the Matchroom Stadium.

Neither the Metropolitan Police nor Bedfordshire Police have received any complaints about the matter, but Luton have confirmed "any serious abuse will be dealt with" if they receive a report on the matter.

"In response to various media reports over the weekend regarding allegations of homophobic chanting by Luton Town supporters at Leyton Orient during Saturday's match, officials of the football club have been in contact with Leyton Orient and are seeking to cooperate fully with any investigation that may follow," read a statement on Luton's official website.

"We have yet to receive any reports, but if and when any evidence and information is passed on to the club, it will be assessed with the greatest scrutiny.

Orient to act on chanting
Orient to act on chanting

Leyton Orient have vowed to act on alleged homophobic chanting by some Luton fans

"Luton Town do not condone any kind of discriminatory chanting or comments from our supporters, and any serious abuse will be dealt with.

"As a club we totally abhor any kind of discriminatory behaviour and, as we have in the past, will be working together with Kick It Out to have a matchday later in the season at Kenilworth Road dedicated to their activities."

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Orient, who lost the game 2-1, issued a statement on Saturday saying: "We were made aware of homophobic chanting from sections of the Luton Town fans and will be dealing with it retrospectively. All information will be passed on to Luton Town."

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Highlights of Luton's 2-1 win over Leyton Orient in Sky Bet League Two.

The club later added to their statement by saying: "We are currently reviewing CCTV footage of the incident and will be sharing all relevant information with Luton Town in order to identify any offenders.

"Leyton Orient do not condone homophobic or discriminatory chanting of any sort and offenders will be dealt with in accordance with regulations."

The question of homophobia in football was raised during a meeting of the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee at Westminster on Monday, where FA chairman Greg Clarke faced questions from MPs over a number of football-related matters.

Clarke referenced the alleged homophobic incidents at the Matchroom Stadium and also spoke about the FA's commitment to "stamp down hard" on such anti-social behaviour.

"I would be amazed if we haven't got gay players in the Premier League. I'm personally ashamed that they don't feel safe to come out," Clarke told the committee.

Asked why gay players don't feel safe to come out, he added: "There is a very, very small minority of people who hurl vile abuse at people who they perceive are different.

"Our job is to stamp down hard on that behaviour."

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