Manchester United ban supporter for three years

There has been a recent attempt to crack down on offensive social media posts in football.

Back in 2021, the government set out plans to ban those who abuse footballers online from stadiums for up two ten years. Whilst serving as Prime Minister, Boris Johnson said that Football Banning Orders would be amended to allow and said that there would be fines given to tech firms that do not stop this behaviour.

This came following the racial abuse aimed at Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford and Jason Sancho on social media after their missed penalties in the UEFA European Championship final shootout, with a 37-year old man arrested for making such posts.

A football fan was banned for three years back in June after sending a racist direct message on Instagram to Tamworth FC player Christopher Wreh.

A Burnley fan was also given a three year ban in August 2025 after a racist social media post in relation to a Chelsea player and Derby County issued a lifetime ban to one supporter after abusive social media posts were sent to Sheffield United’s Billy Sharp in relation to the death of Sharp’s son.

It appears Manchester United are the next club to make a stand against offensive social media posts.

The Daily Mail has reported that they have banned a supporter from attending games for three years after a homophobic tweet was posted about a Chelsea player, as well as United’s Diogo Dalot.

This comes after United issued a statement to fans in relation to the “rent boys” chant and referenced the CPS and FA confirming that it was classed as a hate crime. The individual has been given the opportunity to appeal.

There is indication that the fan aimed the term ‘rent boys’ at Chelsea players and called Dalot a “gay ****”. The fan has even since gone onto social media and posted a screenshot of the email he received from the club that confirmed the suspension, with laughing emojis used.

In the email, the club said: “It has recently come to our attention that you may have breached our official terms and conditions. Specifically, we understand that you have used homophobic written communication or online (sic) towards Chelsea and their supporters.”

The email continued: “This offence contravenes ground regulations and is an offence under the club’s official sanctions document. For a first offence, this carries a three-year suspension (home and away).”