- Rishi Sunak congratulated Southampton on achieving promotion to the top flight
- A group of fans were heard singing about Saints fan Sunak at King’s Cross.
- Will Leeds be a serious team if they are promoted to the Premier League again? Listen to the It’s all starting! podcast
Southampton fan Rishi Sunak congratulated Russell Martin’s team after winning promotion to the Premier League on Sunday.
Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister was subjected to vile chanting by Leeds fans arriving in London ahead of the Championship play-off final.
Fans were labeled “sick” after being filmed singing a chant about Mr Sunak.
Leeds would suffer a 1-0 defeat to Southampton, with Adam Armstrong’s decisive first-half goal sealing victory for the south coast side, who will now return to the top flight after a year-long hiatus.
After the win, Sunak took to X (formerly Twitter) to write: “We’re back” before adding three “clapping” emojis.
Southampton fan Rishi Sunak congratulated Russell Martin’s team on X (formerly Twitter) after gaining promotion to the Premier League with a 1-0 win against Leeds at Wembley.
Leeds fans head to Wembley ahead of the play-off final against Southampton
Sunak is a Southampton fan and was present at the play-off semi-final against West Brom on May 17 (pictured)
Some Leeds fans could be heard singing about Sunak, a Southampton supporter, on the way to the stadium.
Fans were heard chanting at King’s Cross station: “We are Leeds, we are vile, Rishi Sunak is a paedophile.”
While some social media users found the clip funny, others condemned followers for the “sick” chant.
‘I can’t stand conservatives or rishi sunak, but this is not right. Calling someone something so disgustingly vile when they’re not is not only dangerous but also sick,” one responded.
‘Some words should never be said so easily, jokingly or not. This word is one. Shameful.’
Another responded: “I hate conservatives with a passion but this is not acceptable – he has a family and should not be subjected to this.”
Sunak was in the stands last week as Southampton booked their place in the play-off final.
The Saints beat West Brom 3-1 in the second leg at St Mary’s to set up the clash with Leeds.
Sunak had laughed off a question earlier this week about whether he would prefer Southampton to be promoted or win the general election.
The Prime Minister expressed hope that striker Che Adams would be fit to play at Wembley, but the 27-year-old did not make the starting XI and came on for Ryan Fraser in the second half.
Southampton promoted to the Premier League after beating Leeds 1-0 at Wembley
Adam Armstrong’s clinical first-half goal proved decisive, with Leeds unable to find an equaliser.
The Prime Minister said he was “excited” about the final after watching Saints beat West Brom last week.
“Well, it was great to be at St Mary’s on Friday night with my family,” Sunak told GB News.
“I have never experienced an atmosphere like that at St Mary’s, at least not for years. It was really brilliant, I’m really happy for everyone.
‘I’m really looking forward to Sunday, I hope Che Adams is fit and we can get back to the Premier League. Here we go.’
Sunak’s comments came ahead of his announcement on Wednesday that the general election will take place on July 4.
The Prime Minister made a mistake on Thursday after asking staff at a brewery in Wales if they were looking forward to watching football, despite their team failing to qualify for Euro 24.