Leeds United’s FA Cup journey ended with a narrow defeat at Wembley, but in the days since the focus has shifted from the result to what happened in the stands. Sixteen supporters are reportedly being considered for prosecution after homophobic chants were used during the semi-final against Chelsea FC, with police confirming wider criminal conduct at the match, which attracted more than 82,000 spectators.
Police detail arrests and reported crimes in Wembley
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that 18 individuals, including 16 Leeds United supporters, will be reportedly considered for prosecution, specifically for engaging in homophobic chanting in and around Wembley Stadium. A spokesman said: “Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final between Leeds United and Chelsea at Wembley was largely without incident. “Fourteen people were arrested in or around the stadium for offenses including GBH (grievous bodily harm), ABH (actual bodily harm), affray, assault on emergency workers, common assault and tailgating. A further 18 people were not arrested but will be reported for consideration of prosecution for other offences. These included 16 Leeds United fans who were seen and heard engaging in homophobic chants. “ The arrests and reports cover a range of incidents, but the chants are of particular concern given the current legal framework surrounding discriminatory language at football matches.
Why chanting is considered a criminal offense
The action taken by police is in line with guidance set out by the Crown Prosecution Service in 2022, when the “rent boys” chant often targeted at Chelsea Football Club players and supporters was officially designated as a homophobic slur. The term has historically been used to imply that men are sex workers, in this case being used as an abusive chant against Chelsea by rival fans including Leeds United Football Club. This classification allows authorities to pursue a case as a hate crime if the evidence meets the threshold for prosecution. In effect, this shift changes the way events are handled in the stadium. Behavior that might once have been seen as part of crowd noise is now seen as a potential criminal problem, particularly in high-profile venues where policing and surveillance are more visible.
Savile’s slogan and the wider issues surrounding the Leeds game
The game was also influenced by the slogan jimmy savilleThe convicted sex offender’s name has been used to mock Leeds United supporters for years, mainly because of his place of birth rather than any official connection with the club. Leeds have repeatedly spoken about the impact of the chants and pushed for them to be deemed “tragic chants”, which would subject them to the same legal scrutiny as other forms of abuse. A club spokesman told The Athletic: “The club’s supporters are subject to sickening taunts from opposition fans at every game, this should not have happened at today’s game and is a disgrace to the victims of Jimmy Savile’s abuse.” Likewise, the club disapproves of vindictive chants from our own supporters. “
Leeds fans hold up scarves in the stands during the FA Cup semi-final match between Chelsea and Leeds on Sunday, April 26, 2026 in London, England. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)
The club’s stance on the issue has been unanimous, condemning the chants directed at their supporters while also making clear the reaction from their own fans was unacceptable.
Match backgrounds and hot spots on the court
On the pitch, the game was tight and tempers broke out from time to time, adding to the already tense atmosphere at Wembley. A major flashpoint came when Dominic Calvert-Lewin pulled Mark Cucurella’s hair during the game, but referee Jared Gillett, backed by VAR official Paul Howard, chose to take no further action following a review. The physical nature of the game, coupled with the longstanding rivalry between fans of both teams, led to an unstable atmosphere in front of more than 82,000 fans.
Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez (L) celebrates after scoring during the FA Cup semi-final match between Chelsea and Leeds United on Sunday, April 26, 2026 in London, England. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)
Enzo Fernandez’s first-half header decided the game as Chelsea won 1-0 in front of 82,542 spectators and set the stage for the FA Cup final against Manchester City on 16 May.
Wider review ahead of FA Cup final
As the final approaches, responses from police and football authorities indicate that crowd behavior, particularly discriminatory chanting, will continue to be monitored. The mix of arrests, reported crimes and public statements reflects a shift in the way these incidents are handled, with less tolerance for language referring to abuse. For Leeds United, the game at Wembley ended a chapter of their season. After the accident, another one emerged, now located outside the stadium.
