MERSEYSIDE - Everton are investigating alleged homophobic chants during the Toffees' 3-1 win over Chelsea in the Premier League, Saturday, December 7.
Everton said they and equality and inclusion organization Kick It Out received reports the chants were heard during a game at Goodison Park.
'The Toffees' confirmed allegations the chants were directed at Chelsea supporters by a small group of home fans.
A statement issued by the club on Sunday read: "Everton are working alongside Kick It Out and have started an investigation into the homophobic chants reported during Saturday's Premier League match against Chelsea.
"Both the club and Kick It Out have received reports of homophobic chants aimed at Chelsea fans by a fraction of the home crowd.
"Homophobia has no place in our stadium, our club, our community or our games. The club strongly condemns such behavior and is conducting a thorough investigation which will include ties to the Merseyside Police."
This homophobic chant does occur between the two sides of the supporters. Because at this time, in the Premier League there is no footballer who claims to be gay openly.
However, in the 2010/11 and 2012/13 seasons there was once a gay player who competed in the league, namely Thomas Hitzlsperger. However, he only admitted to being gay after retiring, to be precise in 2014.
Meanwhile, according to 2008 data. At least 12 players who competed in the Premier League are gay. This was expressed by former Chelsea defender Paul Elliott in a forum for the anti-homophobia campaign, 17 October of that year.
Elliot said that the 12 names of the players in the Premier League said they were afraid to reveal their sexual orientation. In fact, many of their teammates don't know.
Meanwhile Arsenal defender Hector Bellerin once felt hurt by the homophobic insults he received from people in the 2018-19 season. The insult was received by Bellerin because of his long hair which was often left loose when he was not playing football.
For Bellerin, what he experienced was the result of an idea of how a footballer should look. Those who deviate, of course, will be made fun of.
"Often I receive insults in cyberspace, but sometimes even in the stadium I hear it. They call me 'lesbian' because I grow my hair," said Bellerin, reported The Times.
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