Tottenham Hit with £75,000 Fine by FA for ‘Crowd Control Misconduct’ in United Clash

Homophobic Chanting Mars Spurs’ 3–0 Win over Manchester United, FA Hands Down Sanction

In a reminder that football’s fight against discriminatory behaviour remains far from over, Tottenham Hotspur have been handed a £75,000 fine by the Football Association (FA) for “crowd control misconduct” during their Premier League clash against Manchester United last September.

Though the match itself, played on September 29, 2024, was a convincing 3–0 victory for Spurs—highlighting a high point in their season—the result was later overshadowed by the actions of a portion of the home crowd. Offensive chants, with a specific reference to sexual orientation, were heard during the game, drawing widespread condemnation and eventually sparking formal disciplinary proceedings by the FA.

What Happened: Chanting Erupts During Victory Over United

The incident in question occurred during a high-profile league game against Manchester United at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Spurs, in what was one of their most dominant displays early in the season, put three goals past a disjointed United side. But while the football on the pitch told one story, the atmosphere in the stands told another.

The FA report points to two specific moments during the game—the 49th and 79th minutes—when homophobic chants were heard coming from sections of the home support. According to match officials and third-party observers, the language used was deemed “improper, offensive, abusive, indecent or insulting” and included references to sexual orientation.

Spurs were swiftly charged with breaching FA Rule E21, which holds clubs accountable for the behaviour of their supporters during matches.

The Bigger Picture: Spurs Condemn Behaviour, But FA Demands Accountability

To Tottenham’s credit, the club did not shy away from the issue. Within hours of the match, a strong statement was issued condemning the chants and pledging cooperation with local police and in-stadium stewards to identify those responsible.

“There is no place for discriminatory language at our club. We are working closely with authorities to identify anyone involved and will take the strongest possible action,” read the club’s statement at the time.

However, the FA disciplinary committee found that the club had not done enough to prevent or curtail the behaviour during the game. While acknowledging the club’s post-match response, the FA’s stance was that proactive measures were lacking.

An independent Regulatory Commission initially imposed a £150,000 fine, alongside a formal warning and a directive to develop a revised crowd management strategy. Tottenham appealed the severity of the fine, and an independent Appeal Board ultimately reduced the amount to £75,000, though the charges themselves remained in full effect.

What the FA Said: Rule E21 Breached Twice

Tottenham Hotspur v AZ Alkmaar – UEFA Europa League 2024/25 Round of 16 Second Leg

In its official verdict, the Football Association outlined the scope of the misconduct and the reason for the sanction:

“Tottenham Hotspur FC has been fined £75,000 for two breaches of FA Rule E21 in relation to crowd control misconduct at its Premier League match against Manchester United FC on Sunday 29 September 2024. It was alleged that Tottenham Hotspur FC failed to ensure its spectators and/or supporters (and anyone purporting to be supporters or followers) conduct themselves in an orderly fashion and don’t use words or otherwise behave in an improper, offensive, abusive, indecent, or insulting way with either an express or implied reference to sexual orientation around both the 49th and 79th minutes.”

The statement concludes that Tottenham admitted both charges, demonstrating cooperation with the investigation, and that “an action plan” was imposed alongside the monetary fine.

Spurs’ Fine: A Symbolic Gesture or Catalyst for Change?

From a purely financial standpoint, £75,000 is a modest penalty for a club of Tottenham’s stature. With annual revenues exceeding hundreds of millions, and a transfer strategy currently involving deals in the £50 million range—Mohammed Kudus of West Ham being one of several reported summer targets—the fine may seem insignificant.

But the symbolic weight of the decision is harder to dismiss.

This wasn’t just about one match or a few isolated voices. The FA’s decision underscores a broader expectation that top-tier clubs must take greater responsibility for the behaviour of those in their stands. And with the eyes of the world often fixed on Premier League fixtures, the pressure is on clubs like Spurs to lead by example in eradicating discriminatory conduct from the game entirely.

What’s Next for Tottenham?

Brentford FC v Fulham FC – Premier League

As Spurs prepare for the 2025–26 campaign under new manager Thomas Frank, this fine comes as a stark reminder that off-pitch discipline is just as important as on-field success.

Frank, known for his inclusive and detail-oriented management style at Brentford, now finds himself not only guiding a high-profile squad but also inheriting a culture that needs clear boundaries. It’s likely that the club’s security policies, steward training, and matchday protocols will all be under review in light of the FA’s action plan.

From a footballing perspective, the club is in an exciting position. After winning the Europa League last season and thereby qualifying for the Champions League, Spurs are actively reshaping their squad. Alongside the Kudus pursuit, there’s chatter about strengthening in both defence and midfield.

However, the club must now balance this forward-looking ambition with the need to clean up its image—both domestically and in the eyes of UEFA, which has a much lower tolerance for discriminatory incidents, especially in continental competitions.

A Culture Shift or Just Another Fine?

The larger question remains: Will this fine trigger meaningful change?

For fans across the UK, particularly in the LGBTQ+ community, the recurrence of homophobic chanting at top-flight matches is a deeply unsettling reminder that football is still grappling with inclusion. Campaigns like Rainbow Laces and Kick It Out have made massive strides, but fines alone won’t fix the issue.

It will take active participation from players, staff, supporters, and especially clubs. Spurs have said the right things. Now comes the harder part—making sure this doesn’t happen again.

Final Thoughts: Beyond the Scoreline

In a season that brought some long-awaited success and optimism back to Tottenham Hotspur, the FA’s fine for crowd control misconduct is a blot on the record.

Football, at its best, is a celebration—a coming together of people from all walks of life. But when chants from the stands cross the line from rivalry to discrimination, the game loses its soul.

It’s up to clubs like Spurs, with global followings and massive platforms, to do more than play the beautiful game. They need to protect it. And that means ensuring that everyone—no matter who they are—feels welcome in the stadium.