West Ham have been charged by the Football Association over alleged homophobic chanting by their fans during last month’s 2-1 loss at Chelsea.

The FA said the Hammers were being charged with misconduct in relation to crowd control.

It alleged “the club failed to ensure its spectactors2” and “did not behave in an improper, offensive, abusive, indecent or insulting way with… reference to sexual orientation”.

Days after the Monday, 3 February, the Hammers released a statement which “strongly condemns the discriminatory and homophobic chants aimed towards opposition supporters”.

It added “the chant is wholly unacceptable and has no place in football or anywhere else” and that it was a criminal offence.

West Ham have until Tuesday, 1 April to reply to the FA charges.