Lincoln City have been fined by the Football Association following discriminatory chanting during this season’s Carabao Cup fixture against Chelsea, with the club issuing a full apology and warning supporters that repeat incidents could carry even more serious consequences.
The club have been fined £16,000 by the Football Association for failing to control supporters during the Carabao Cup tie against Chelsea. The charge relates specifically to chanting of a homophobic nature aimed at away supporters. We know Chelsea fans at the game were affected by the chanting and the club has apologised unreservedly to Chelsea and their supporters.
This fine follows the £8,500 sanction imposed after two proven instances of discriminatory chanting during our final league fixture of last season against Wrexham. As a result of that incident, an Action Plan was put in place, and the Football Association has now confirmed that this plan has been extended until the end of the 2026/27 season.
The club have released a statement regarding the incidents.
FA sanction and ongoing responsibilities
“We remain firmly committed to eradicating negative behaviour through a combination of education and sanctions. We believe these approaches can work together to bring about the positive change we all desire. We recognise our responsibility to reflect upon our own processes, and continuously improve these.
“The atmosphere created by the overwhelming majority of our fans this season has been incredible, as we’ve seen time and time again – not least with our largest home crowd of the season at Thursday’s game against Burton Albion
“We are dismayed that we find ourselves in a position that a very small minority have acted in a way which has severe consequences for the club and matchgoing fans. Anyone considering acting in such a way should be clear that it has never been and never will be welcome at Lincoln City.”
A message to the Imps family
“We want to be as clear as we can be that all are welcome in the Imps family and that there is never a place among our fanbase for any discriminatory actions. These FA charges relate to homophobic chanting – this is never acceptable. We believe that working with fans we can build a truly impressive atmosphere at the LNER Stadium without ever having to resort to such chants.
“A second financial fine for the club this season takes money away from areas we would much rather see investment – whether on the team or facilities to improve our matchdays and drive the club forward. Another repeat of this kind of incident would also likely lead to a forced closure of part of the stadium – severely impacting not only other fans who had no part in this but also hindering the club financially at a time when there is so much to be positive about.
“As we enter a key part of the season we want to give the players and staff the support the first half of the campaign deserves. Let’s play our part and make it a season to remember.”