Football chant against Keir Starmer draws mixed reactions

In England, during a recent World Cup qualifier match against Andorra on June 7, 2025, a chant emerged among England football fans where they derogatorily referred to Labour leader Keir Starmer. The chant was a variation of the 1982 song 'Give It Up' by KC & The Sunshine Band, incorporating profane language and Starmer's name. Upon being questioned about the chant by Trevor Phillips on Sky News, Technology Secretary Peter Kyle dismissed it, claiming it reflected the spirit of football culture. However, this stance contrasts with thoughts from the England manager, who deemed such behavior unacceptable. Although historically rare, when politicians become the subject of fan chants, it often signals broader political discontent or societal issues. Such occurrences have the potential to damage political careers and reputations, evident from past examples. The reaction to the chant may indicate a growing negativity towards Starmer and reveals deeper societal sentiments towards the current Labour leadership. As Starmer is still relatively new to his role, the emergence of such hostile chants poses significant risks for the Labour Party. It reflects public dissatisfaction about various political decisions and Starmer's image, which some criticize for lacking relatability. Given the gravity of the current political landscape, the chant and its implications cannot be overlooked by Labour strategists as they attempt to navigate next steps towards rebuilding their public image.