Manchester United fans ignore club's pleas to stop controversial Romelu Lukaku chant as Kick It Out insist Red Devils have 'responsibility' over their own supporters' conduct

  • Romelu Lukaku and Jose Mourinho asked fans not to use song about the striker
  • The chant makes reference to the size of the Belgian striker's manhood
  • Kick it Out wrote to Manchester United, branding the chant offensive
  • However, United supporters continued to use the song against Southampton
  • The club are liaising with police and will try to identify those who sang the chant

Manchester United's travelling supporters defied the club's orders as they continued to sing the controversial chant about striker Romelu Lukaku that has already brought a complaint from anti-discrimination group Kick It Out.

The song, which references the perceived size of Lukaku's manhood, was deemed 'offensive and discriminatory' by Kick It Out in a letter to United. The song has previously been heard during the past week's home games against Everton and Burton Albion. 


Both United and Lukaku had already implored fans not to sing the chant in a statement earlier this week and on Saturday night they once again condemned their own support. The club also confirmed they are prepared to support police action against the perpetrators.

Manchester United fans sang the controversial chant about Romelu Lukaku again on Saturday

Manchester United fans sang the controversial chant about Romelu Lukaku again on Saturday

Sections of the club’s travelling support continued to use the song at St Mary’s Stadium, where Lukaku scored the only goal of the game. 

Kick It Out have now issued a new statement once again condemning United supporters and they accuse the fans of 'repeated racist chanting.' 

The anti-discrimination group insist the fans have a 'responsibility' to comply with the request of their striker. 

The statement reads: 'Kick It Out is aware of repeated racist chanting by supporters of Manchester United.' 

'Kick It Out would like to reiterate its stance that such behaviour has no place in football. Romelu Lukaku himself has requested that the supporters 'move on' from singing the chant in question and Manchester United now has a responsibility to ensure that the request is complied with. 

'If anyone has any evidence of supporters engaging in racist chanting, Kick It Out asks that you report it via the organisation’s app, to a steward or to the police. 

'Kick It Out notes Manchester United's statement requesting CCTV footage from Southampton and will again be liaising with the club, The FA and the police to identify potential perpetrators and ensure appropriate action is taken.' 

United beat Southampton 1-0 at St Mary's on Saturday thanks to Lukaku's first half goal

United beat Southampton 1-0 at St Mary's on Saturday thanks to Lukaku's first half goal

United earlier released a statement which read: 'Manchester United has a zero tolerance stance on offensive chanting and behaviour. The club and player have been clear in asking for an end to the chant.

'The club has worked with relevant bodies and supporters groups in trying to eradicate any offensive behaviour and will take further action against individuals if this continues. The club is in discussion with the police and has asked for CCTV footage from Southampton and will try to identify those who disrespected the player's wishes not to sing the song.'

Lukaku himself called for an end to the song when he took to Twitter earlier this week and wrote: ‘Great backing since I joined United. Fans have meant well with their songs but let’s move on together. #respecteachother.’

However, during the first half of United's Premier League match at Southampton, the travelling band of supporters aired the chant once more and then sang: 'We're Man United, we'll sing what we want.'

The fans followed that up with a different Lukaku song that avoided all racist connotations and simply championed 'Manchester United's number nine.'

United manager Jose Mourinho, however, refused to condemn the fans and called the support for his side 'amazing.'

Manager Jose Mourinho called United's support 'amazing' following the final whistle

Manager Jose Mourinho called United's support 'amazing' following the final whistle

'I don't understand what the fans sing,' Mourinho said. 'The only music I understand clearly is one from my opponents when they tell Mourinho to go to a place. That's the only one I understand.

'But the only thing I will say is the fans were amazing, the support amazing from the first to the last minute. It's important to have that not when you're winning 3-0 or 4-0 and winning the game, but it's more important when you are defending and are exhausted. The songs? I don't understand them.'

Mourinho was delighted with his side's stubborn display but his exuberance became too much late on as he was dismissed from the touchline by referee Craig Pawson, seemingly for encroaching onto the field of play and accidentally colliding with the fourth official.

Mourinho may now face an FA investigation, although the offence did appear innocuous.

Mourinho stepped onto the pitch as he gesticulated animatedly at his his players to recover their shape deep into injury-time.

Asked why he was sent from the dugout, Mourinho said: 'I don't know. I don't know. Craig (Pawson) told me to leave, and I left.'