Calls For Manchester United's New Romelu Lukaku Chant To Be Banned
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There are calls for Manchester United's new Romelu Lukaku chant to be banned.
The Belgian striker has been an instant hit at Old Trafford, having already scored seven goals for the club following his £75 million switch. A section of United fans have already come up with a new song for the former Everton and Chelsea man, to the tune of Manchester band The Stone Roses' 'Made of Stone' but football equality and discrimination organisation Kick It Out want the chant banned as they deem it to be "offensive and discriminatory".
Image: PA
While the chant is in support for Lukaku, who is referred to as "Our belgian scoring genius" by the United faithful in the song, it also features lyrics relating to the size of his phallus - and follows a racist stereotype.
Kick It Out have condemned the chant and urged United to take action.
If you can't understand the racial implications of the Romelu Lukaku chant & how stupid the chant is overall, you need to join us in 2017.
- Adam Joseph (@AdamJosephSport) September 19, 2017
Anti-discrimination group Kick It Out have contacted #MUFC to ask them to ban the new chant about Romelu Lukaku. [BBC]
- Devils Latest (@Devils_Latest) September 19, 2017
"Kick It Out is aware of the footage of the alleged racist chanting by supporters of Manchester United that emerged on Wednesday evening [13 September],"a statement from a spokesman for the organisation read, as quoted by The Times.
"The lyrics used in the chant are offensive and discriminatory. Racist stereotypes are never acceptable in football or wider society, irrespective of showing support for a player.
"We have contacted Manchester United and will be working closely with them and the FA to ensure that the issue is addressed swiftly. The perpetrators can expect to face punishment."
Image: PA
The chant was doing the rounds during Manchester United's 3-0 win over Basel in their first Champions League game of the season last week, and is believed to have been sung again when Lukaku took to the pitch against former employers Everton in Sunday's 4-0 win. United are understood to be in dialogue with Kick It Out, while The Independent says that United are are seeking advice in regards to the issue and the action to take.
The news comes just over a week after Chelsea released a statement telling fans to stop signing an anti-semitic Alvaro Morata chant aimed at Spurs fans.
Chelsea have asked fans to stop singing the "unacceptable" Morata song. Spokesman: "He doesn't want to be associated with it." #LEICHE
- Gary Taphouse (@garytaphouse) September 9, 2017
Full Chelsea statement on the Morata chant #cfc pic.twitter.com/RsU4Ttwuvh
- Liam Twomey (@liam_twomey) September 9, 2017
Featured Image Credit: PA
Topics: Manchester United, Romelu Lukaku
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