The English Football Association (FA) has charged Cardiff City over homophobic chanting directed at Chelsea during the League Cup quarterfinal match played Dec. 16 at Cardiff City Stadium.

The match, which ended in a 3-1 victory for the London side, allegedly recorded offensive chants from a section of the home fans around the second minute of the game, and according to the FA, the Welsh club “failed to ensure its spectators and/or supporters did not use inappropriate, offensive, abusive or insulting words or behavior,” including references to sexual orientation.

England’s football governing body gave Cardiff until Tuesday, February 24, to submit its formal response to the charge.

In a statement, the Welsh club said the chants came from “a minority of individuals” and emphasized its rejection of any form of discrimination.

The entity said the behavior was detected during the match and that, after internal communication, police were immediately deployed to the affected area of the stadium.

“The club is committed to inclusion and the protection of all fans attending our matches,” added Cardiff, which also reiterated its support for the work of South Wales Police in identifying and holding those involved accountable and stressed that “no form of discrimination is tolerated” and that such conduct constitutes a criminal offense.

Meanwhile, Chelsea is looking to make up ground in the Premier League. Its immediate path begins Saturday, February 21, hosting Burnley at Stamford Bridge, a crucial match for Rosenior to consolidate his playing system in front of the home fans.

The team will then face one of the season’s biggest challenges Sunday, March 1, when it visits Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium for a London derby that could define its European aspirations. The demanding schedule continues on Wednesday, March 4, with another difficult visit to Aston Villa, a direct rival in the fight for the top positions in the standings.

At the same time, Cardiff City is experiencing a great moment as the League One leader and is shaping up as the main candidate for automatic promotion. The Welsh side will begin a series of key matches Saturday, Feb. 21, visiting Plymouth Argyle at Home Park, aiming to maintain its lead at the top of the championship.

A week later, on Saturday, February 28, the “Bluebirds” will travel again to face Doncaster Rovers, in a match where defensive solidity will be vital to taking all three points on the road. Finally, the team will return to its stadium on Saturday, March 7, to host Lincoln City in a high-octane clash pitting two of the most in-form clubs in the third division against each other.

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