A Preston North End fan speaks of his regret after being charged for his role in a homophobic chant at a Chelsea match.
In the video, which can be seen below, the fan says: “I was so ashamed of what I’d done. You cannot go to a football match and say these things.
“It started like a normal away day, going to a football match. Both fans were basically at it and the next moment I was removed from my seat and taken down to the police holding area down behind the stand.
“I didn’t honestly know what was going on. I had no idea of the implications of what I’d said or anything like that.
“So then obviously I waited for a police van to take me through to Hammersmith police station, fingerprinted me, took a DNA and then took my photographs and as I say I was put in a cell and then I had to wait for interview.
“Certain questions were put to me about the Chelsea chant and was I aware of how offensive it was.
“Obviously I was taken back to the cell and then later that night I was released on police bail to appear back in three months time.
“I appeared at the Westminster Magistrates Court, pleaded guilty and then we came onto the stage of the football banning order.
“Looking back now I can see how it happened and obviously not realising what the chant could actually do and impact on my life.
“I was so ashamed of what I’d done and the impact that it actually would have.
“It’s a hate crime and the whole process of going from arrest to court certainly opened my eyes on what three words can actually do.
“You cannot go to a football match and say these things and I am now involved in an education programme where I told my story that maybe they won’t make the same mistake as what I did.
“If I could say just one thing to anyone going to a football match, just think before you join in.
You don’t have to follow the crowd. Football can be loud, passionate without crossing the line.”
A PNE fan explains his regret after being charged with a hate crime for taking part in a homophobic chant during a match at Chelsea.
His story is a reminder that words have impact and we all have a role to play in making everyone feel welcome at a football game.#EFLTogether pic.twitter.com/ENc54w36bP
— EFL (@EFL) February 19, 2026
EFL STATEMENT:
The English Football League (EFL) is reinforcing its longstanding commitment to tackling discriminatory behaviour with the release of a powerful video telling the story of a Preston North End fan who was charged with a hate crime for homophobic chanting.
The film’s core message to fans, shared by the Preston fan who was charged following an FA Cup fixture away to Chelsea, is a reminder that our words have an impact, and while football inspires passion, that passion must never cross the line into abuse.
The lifelong Lilywhites fan proceeded to be held in custody where he was DNA tested before later appearing for multiple court hearings at Westminster Magistrates’ Court. He now carries a criminal record as a result of the offence.
Now, he uses his story to educate others, showing football fans and the wider public the sheer weight language can carry, and the harm it can inflict on real people and communities.
The video forms part of the EFL’s wider work to ensure football is a safe and welcoming environment for everyone. It is a reminder that homophobia has no place in football and anyone found guilty of homophobic abuse, whether inside a stadium or online, could face serious sanctions including stadium bans and legal prosecution.
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