'We're Manchester United, we'll sing what we want!' Fans respond to being told not to chant Romelu Lukaku song
The song, to the tune of the Stone Roses' Made of Stone, has caused controversy as it references the size of the striker's penis
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Your support makes all the difference.Manchester United fans have continued to chant the Romelu Lukaku song despite being urged by the player not to do so.
The Belgian has swiftly established himself as a fans' favourite since his big-money summer switch from Everton, thanks in no small part to six goals in as many games and added a seventh opening the scoring against Southampton on Saturday afternoon.
Lukaku already has a couple of chants in his honour, although one to the tune of the Stone Roses' Made of Stone has caused controversy as it references the size of his penis.
"Great backing since I joined #MUFC," he was quoted as saying on the club's official Twitter account earlier this week. "Fans have meant well with their songs but let's move on together. #RespectEachOther"
But the vocal away section at St Mary's continued to sing it on Saturday before responding with "We're Manchester United, we'll sing what we want".
The song, using a stereotype about black men, led anti-discrimination body Kick It Out to call for action against the "racist" chant.
United contacted relevant bodies to see whether the song could be categorised as racism by the letter of the law, while saying once again in a statement following the game they have a "zero tolerance" to behaviour of this kind.
"Manchester United has a zero tolerabce stance on offensive chanting and behaviour," the statement read. "The club and player have been clear in asking for an end to the chant.
"The club 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-racism charity Kick It Out released the following statement, reiterating its stance against the song and calling on fans to identify those guilty of chanting it.
“Kick It Out is aware of repeated racist chanting by supporters of Manchester United today.
“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 to the police.
"Kick It Out notes Manchester United's statement requesting CCTV footage from Southampton and will again be liaising with club, The FA and the police to identify potential perpetrators and ensure appropriate action is taken."
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