Leeds United’s FA Cup campaign ended with a narrow defeat at Wembley, but in the days since the focus has shifted from the result to what was happening in the stands. Sixteen supporters have been reported for prosecution to be considered following incidents of homophobic chanting during the semi-final against Chelsea FC, with police confirming a wider set of crimes surrounding a match which brought together a crowd of more than 82,000.
Police detail arrests and reported crimes in Wembley
The Metropolitan Police Service confirmed that 16 Leeds United supporters were among 18 individuals who would be reported for consideration of prosecution, specifically for their involvement in homophobic chanting in and around Wembley Stadium. A spokesperson said: “The FA Cup semi-final between Leeds and Chelsea at Wembley on Sunday passed largely without incident. There were 14 arrests in or around the stadium for offenses including GBH (grievous bodily harm), ABH (actual bodily harm), affray, assault on an emergency worker, common assault and tailgating. Another 18 people were not arrested, but will be reported for consideration for prosecution for other crimes. “This includes 16 Leeds fans who were seen and heard chanting homophobic slogans.” Arrests and reports cover a range of incidents, although the chant has attracted particular attention given the legal framework now in place around discriminatory language at football matches.
Why is chanting considered a crime?
The action taken by police comes under guidance introduced by the Crown Prosecution Service in 2022, when the “rent boy” chant, often directed at Chelsea FC players and supporters, was formally designated as a homophobic slur. The term has historically been used to imply that men are sex workers and, in this context, has been used as a derogatory chant aimed at Chelsea by rival fans, including Leeds United FC. This classification allows authorities to pursue cases as hate crimes where the evidence meets the threshold for prosecution. In practical terms, that change has changed the way events are handled inside stadiums. Behavior that was once dismissed as part of crowd noise is now considered a potentially criminal matter, especially in high-profile fixtures where policing and monitoring are more visible.
The wider issue of the Seville chant and the Leeds matches
The match was also affected by the context of the chants jimmy savilleThe convicted sex offender whose name has been used to taunt Leeds supporters for years, largely because of his birthplace rather than any formal connection to the club. Leeds United have repeatedly spoken out about the impact of those chants and have insisted on treating them as “tragedy chants”, which would bring them under the same legal scrutiny as other forms of abuse. A club spokesperson told The Athletic: “The club’s supporters are subjected to these disgusting taunts by opposition fans at every match, which should not happen in today’s game and is insulting to the victims of Jimmy Savile’s abuse. “At the same time, the club also rejects the counter slogans of our own supporters.”
Leeds fans hold up their scarves in the stands during the FA Cup semi-final football match between Chelsea and Leeds on Sunday, April 26, 2026 in London, England. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)
The club’s position has been consistent on both sides of the issue, condemning the chants directed at their supporters, while also making it clear that the reactions from their own fans are not acceptable.
Match context and flashpoints on the pitch
On the pitch, the match was tight and sometimes scrappy, increasing the already tense atmosphere at Wembley. A major flashpoint came when Dominic Calvert-Lewin appeared to pull Mark Cucurella’s hair during a controversial moment, but referee Jared Gillette, supported by VAR official Paul Howard, opted to take no further action after a review. The physical nature of the game, coupled with the long-standing rivalry between the two groups of supporters, contributed to a volatile atmosphere in front of over 82,000 fans.
Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez, left, celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the FA Cup semi-final football match between Chelsea and Leeds on Sunday, April 26, 2026 in London, England. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)
The match was decided by Enzo Fernandez’s first-half header, which ensured a 1–0 victory for Chelsea in front of 82,542 spectators and set up an FA Cup final against Manchester City on 16 May.
Extensive investigation before FA Cup final
As the final stage approaches, the response from police and football authorities points to continued monitoring of crowd behaviour, particularly around discriminatory chants. The combination of arrests, reported crimes, and public statements reflects a change in the way these incidents are dealt with, with less tolerance for language that turns into abuse. For Leeds, the Wembley result closed a chapter in their season. The result has opened up another avenue, now beyond the pitch.
