Leeds United are urging UK authorities to reclassify chants about Jimmy Savile as "tragedy chanting," which would make them prosecutable as public order offences. The Yorkshire club maintains that its supporters endure these taunts at every fixture from opposing fans, despite the notorious sex offender having no connection whatsoever to the football club. The CPS defines tragedy chanting as abuse relating to fatal incidents or stadium disasters affecting players, supporters or officials of rival clubs. Leeds United have now called for the classification to be expanded so such behaviour can be prosecuted as a hate crime. Jimmy Savile died in 2011 | PAA club spokesman told The Athletic: "Leeds United Football Club have lobbied and would be fully supportive of Jimmy Savile chants being classed as tragedy chanting and a hate crime.

Source: BBC March 11, 2026 16:22 UTC