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Leeds United are 'urging fans' to change chant about 19-year-old Wilfried Gnonto

Leeds United are 'urging fans' to change chant about 19-year-old Wilfried Gnonto

Gnonto is becoming a fan favourite at Elland Road.

Leeds United will urge fans to change a chat about teenage forward Wilfried Gnonto as it contains a racial stereotype.

Gnonto joined Leeds from FC Zurich in the summer to initially play in their U23s squad. He impressed manager Jesse Marsch, who handed him a first-team debut against Liverpool.

The 19-year-old has since become a regular in the side, scoring his first goal in Wednesday evening's 2-2 draw with West Ham United.

During that game, Gnonto's named was chanted to the tune of Los Lobos' 1987 smash-hit La Bamba with some suggestive lyrics. Check it out below. *WARNING: Strong language*

The lyrics are: "Willy Gnonto, Willy Gnonto, he eats spaghetti, he drinks Moretti, his c**k's f***ing massive."

Leeds' hierarchy are set to meet with the Supporters Advisory Board next week. Gnonto's chant will be discussed after the club's official Twitter page attempted to push a more respectful version of the chant.

Despite their push, the chat was audible when Gnonto opened the scoring at Elland Road in midweek.

A statement from Kick It Out reads: "While we believe the majority of fans singing this chant are not doing so with racist intent, we would stress that racial stereotypes are harmful and offensive, irrespective of the intention to show support for a player.

Gnonto is a popular player at Elland Road. (Image
Alamy)

"We urge fans to show support with family-friendly language. We will be working closely with Leeds to ensure action is taken."

Meanwhile, an FA spokesperson added: "We strongly condemn any offensive, abusive and discriminatory chants in stadiums and are determined to stamp this behaviour out. It must stop, and we support any club and their fans who try to eradicate this from the terraces."

Last month, Amad Diallo asked Sunderland fans to stop chanting about his manhood. The on-loan Manchester United winger released a video asking supporters to 'be respectful' while keeping the same level of passion.

Leeds are currently 14th in the Premier League, two points above the relegation zone.

The introduction of Gnonto and emergence of Crysencio Summerville gives Marsch more options in attack following Raphinha's departure and injury to Patrick Bamford.

Gnonto and Summerville after the former's goal against West Ham. (Image
Alamy)

When asked about the duo last year, the American coach replied: "Cry [Summerville] is developing and you can see his confidence and we're going to continue to push him to mature and be a complete player.

"You can see it swelling, you can see it growing and it's great.

"Yeah, I think they have a really strong friendship and if we can build them up and continue to use their youthful talent and enthusiasm and desire to improve and fearlessness that can be a good recipe for success, even with young players."

Featured Image Credit: Alamy

Topics: Leeds United, Premier League