Tottenham have told supporters to “be mindful” of using the word ‘Yid’ or ‘Yiddo’ ahead of this weekend’s derby clash with West Ham – but stopped short of telling fans not to use the term.
As we reported yesterday, the Metropolitan Police warned fans that they face arrest for using the term.
That message has been now passed on by the club to its supporters. Fans are warned that the police will be monitoring and possibly taking action against those using the Y-word.
A statement on the club’s website reads: “Following discussions with the Metropolitan Police ahead of this weekend’s match against West Ham, please be advised that the police will, once again, be adopting a zero tolerance stance towards any form of abusive or offensive behaviour or chanting. In particular they will be monitoring for anti-Semitic abuse.
“The Police have also advised us that they will be monitoring closely for the use of any terms which are offensive and/or may be considered offensive by others and will, if necessary, take action against those individuals. A statement issued by the Police makes it clear that this includes the use of the Y-word. We should, therefore, like to ask all fans to be mindful of their use of this term.
“Please help to make it a positive match day experience that can be enjoyed by all.”
Spurs supporters argue that their use of the words ‘Yid’ and ‘Yiddo’ are to negate anti-Semitism from opposition fans, but that justification has been under attack in recent months leading to considerable debate as to whether the terms are offensive or not.
