United declined to comment publicly on the chants but have privately acknowledged they are unacceptable.
“Clubs have the power to act,” said Varney. “Whether through bans, fines or education, action can and should be taken.
“Without it, the lack of accountability continues to damage trust.
“Our recent research found that 85% of women who had experienced or witnessed sexism in a football setting didn’t report it because they didn’t think it would make a difference, or they would be listened to.”
However, some believe that offensive chants are “part of the game”.
“It’s part of the game unfortunately, it is what it is. I’ve heard people say things about my kids, my wife, you name it,” former Watford striker Troy Deeney said on talkSPORT.
“I take Pep’s point, but it’s a derby, people are emotional, it’s part of football. We shouldn’t accept it, but it’s been going on since the beginning of time.
“Gianfranco Zola once said to me: ‘We’re paid to not have feelings’.”
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