Leeds United Lobby for Jimmy Savile Songs to be Treated as Public Order Offences
Leeds United Football Club has formally requested that the UK Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and the Football Association (FA) classify chants relating to the late Jimmy Savile as public order offences, mirroring the treatment of “tragedy chanting” related to stadium disasters. The move comes amid increasing concern over the continued use of the chants by opposing fans during matches at Elland Road.
The Prevalence of the Chants
The chants, which began appearing at Leeds United matches years after Savile’s death, often involve references to his crimes. Norwich City fans were reported to have initiated the chants before a recent FA Cup fifth-round tie at Elland Road, prompting a response from Leeds supporters as reported by Leeds-Live. The Athletic reported that the chants typically begin with “Jimmy Savile, he’s one of your own…” followed by descriptions of his sexual offenses.
Savile’s History and Connection to Leeds
Jimmy Savile, a once-celebrated British television and radio personality, was posthumously exposed as a prolific sex offender. A 2013 report revealed he committed at least 214 sex crimes, including 34 rapes, between 1955 and 2009, with approximately 450 alleged victims according to The Athletic. He also abused patients at 28 hospitals across the UK, including Leeds General Infirmary.
Despite having no direct connection to Leeds United, Savile was a prominent figure in the city, having been born there and living in a penthouse flat in Roundhay for the last three decades of his life The Athletic reports.
Current Legal Status and Challenges
Currently, Savile chants are not classified as a public order offence under UK law, as they do not directly reference football-related tragedies. The CPS guidelines define “tragedy chanting” as offensive messages about disasters or accidents involving players or fans, such as the Hillsborough disaster and the Munich air crash Leeds-Live details.
The FA has acknowledged the issue and is in dialogue with the UK Football Policing Unit (UKFPU) and the CPS, but has been advised that the chants do not currently meet the threshold for a criminal offence as reported by Leeds-Live. However, the UKFPU clarified that each case is assessed independently.
Leeds United’s Stance and Wider Concerns
Leeds United has expressed its strong disapproval of the chants, both from opposing fans and any retaliatory chants from their own supporters. A club spokesperson stated they would “fully support” classifying the chants as tragedy chanting and a hate crime according to the Daily Mail.
Support After Rape and Sexual Violence Leeds (SARSVL) has also voiced concerns, arguing that the chants trivialize male sexual violence and can be triggering for survivors as detailed in Leeds-Live.
Looking Ahead
The call for a change in legislation highlights the growing discomfort surrounding the chants and the demand for a more robust response from football authorities. While the legal landscape remains complex, Leeds United’s lobbying efforts and the increasing public scrutiny may pave the way for a future where such offensive behavior is no longer tolerated within football stadiums.