The #LUFC Breakfast Debate (Friday 20th January) - Kick It Out: Gnonto chant must stop
Good Morning. It's Friday 20th January, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road
Gnonto chant must stop
The Football Association and discrimination group 'Kick it Out' have warned sections of the Leeds Utd faithful that racist chanting will not be tolerated. It relate's to a song which is gathering pace on the Elland Road terraces regarding Willy Gnonto, and the size of his genitalia. A week ago, Jesse Marsch pleaded with the Elland Road faithful to either change the lyrics or refrain from singing it, yet it's fallen on deaf ears, as it was heard loud and clear on Wednesday night, when Leeds thumped Cardiff 5-2.
As a club, Leeds have cleaned up their act in the last couple of decades, and more and more families are replacing the young working class males that dominated the terraces in the 80's and 90's. These are sensitive times. Some may see it as just a bit of banter, but the reality of the situation is, this kind of behaviour is no longer tolerated in football grounds. At best, its crass, and in its lowest form, highly offensive, Xenophobia and unacceptable.
Are people over reacting? It this just a bit of fun? If you pay your money, should you be able to sing what you what; it's a free Country at the end of day? According to Kick It Out...
While we believe the majority of fans singing this chant are not doing so with racist intent, we would stress that racial stereotypes are harmful and offensive, irrespective of the intention to show support for a player.
An FA spokesperson added...
We strongly condemn any offensive, abusive and discriminatory chants in stadiums and are determined to stamp this behaviour out. It must stop, and we support any club and their fans who try to eradicate this from the terraces. We urge fans to show support with family-friendly language. We will be working closely with Leeds to ensure action is taken.
Latics winning race for Gelhardt
Now few than six Championship outfits have joined the race to sign Joe Gelhardt on loan until the end of the season. He has been allowed to leave following the signing of £36m capture of Georginio Rutter. It is hoped that regular first team football will help in his development, and he'll rediscover his goal scoring form. Former club Wigan Athletic are favourites to sign the 20 year old, but with West Brom also entering the fray, he's still up for grabs
Cresswell permanent transfer rumour gathering pace
Rumours of Charlie Cresswell being sold this transfer window are gathering pace. He is halfway through a season long loan at the Den, but has not seen first team action since December 3rd last year. As highly talented at Cressy is in his age group, the Elland Road hierarchy are losing patience and considering bids for him.
Big things are expected from Cresswell, with many fans seeing him as a future Captain and mainstay fixture at Elland Road for many seasons to come. Selling him at this point in his fledgling career makes absolutely no sense at all, even if they were to negotiate a healthy sell-on fee. TA have spent over eight years nurturing, and molding him into a potential future England player, so why give up on him now? Victor Orta is lining up a bid to bring teen sensation Diogo Monteiro to Elland Road. The Portuguese centre-back turns 18 year old in a few weeks, and Leeds are ready to pounce.
Right now, he’s out of the team and sitting on the bench. And with expressions of interest from a couple of Millwall’s divisional rivals in a permanent move for the young centre-back, there are some decisions to make. Leeds are yet to recall him and won’t, until such a time as a concrete offer is made that meets their valuation and meets with the approval of Cresswell and his advisors.