Islington Tribune - News: ‘Racism contracts’ for Arsenal fans

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Islington Tribune - by PETER GRUNER
Published: 16 November 2007

‘Racism contracts’ for Arsenal fans

ARSENAL fans could be asked to sign an anti-racist declaration or be excluded from matches in a new campaign to root out anti-Semitism on the terraces.
It comes as five Arsenal fans, including a Jew, a Muslim and a Christian, are threatening to sue the club over chants of “Yids” or “Yiddoes” made about Spurs players and their supporters.
The claim is that the club is flouting race relations laws by failing to stamp out anti-semitic language used by fans.
The issue is complicated because Spurs supporters – who have a large Jewish fanbase – have traditionally referred to themselves as the “Yid Army”.
But with rivalries between the two clubs, and chants referring to Hitler and Nazi death camps, many supporters fear that the abuse is going too far.
The complainants have hired human rights lawyers to mount a legal challenge.
Solicitor Lawrence Davies, of the Holborn-based firm Equal Justice, has warned that season ticket holders can sue the club for breach of contract because it has a written policy of taking firm action against racist behaviour at its stadium.
Mr Davies is calling for an urgent meeting with club officials.
He is suggesting a letter be sent to all season ticket holders calling on them to help tackle the abuse.
He wants anyone making racist chants to be thrown out of the stadium, and for fans renewing their season tickets to sign an anti-racist declarations.
Mr Davies, himself an Arsenal fan, said: “The anti-Semitic language is commonplace and is ignored by the stewards.
“It is no less vociferous now than it was at Highbury.
“Although the club is to be applauded for the removal of racists from its stadium over the years, stewards and the club have turned a blind eye to this particular brand of racism.”
An Arsenal FC spokesman said: “Arsenal Football Club will not tolerate foul language and racist chanting at Emirates stadium. Whether Arsenal supporters or visiting fans are responsible, we will take action – through the courts if necessary – to stamp out this unacceptable behaviour. Where evidence exists (including video evidence), prosecutions will follow.”

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