Manchester United are liaising with Hampshire police and Southampton in an attempt to identify supporters who ignored an appeal not to sing an offensive chant about Romelu Lukaku after the Belgian striker scored the only goal of the game at St Mary’s.
Swathes of the away support in the stadium sang the song in the aftermath of Lukaku’s goal, and followed it up with: “We’re Man United, we’ll sing what we want.” That was despite Kick It Out, United and Lukaku having urged fans not to indulge in the chant. José Mourinho suggested he had not heard the chant, and described the substantial away support as “amazing”.
“Manchester United has a zero tolerance stance on offensive chanting and behaviour,” said United in a statement. “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.”
Anti-discrimination organisation Kick It Out, who wrote to Manchester United after fans sang the chant in last Sunday’s match against Everton, also released a statement on Saturday.
“Kick It Out is aware of repeated racist chanting by supporters of Manchester United today (23 September),” the statement read.
“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.”