Be careful what you say! Spurs warn fans on Y-word
Tottenham have urged supporters to be “mindful” of their language after three fans were charged in connection with using the word “yid” at matches.
The three men are accused of using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour, or disorderly behaviour, within the hearing or sight of a person likely to be caused harassment, alarm or distress. They will appear at Hendon magistrates on 4 February.
A statement on Spurs’ website read: “The club conducted sentiment research on the use of the Y word amongst our supporters during October last year. We received 11,500 responses and should like to thank fans for the many well-considered and sincere expression of views.
“We have spent time ensuring that each and every response submitted was read by the team of personnel dealing with this issue at the club.
“The club took the decision, with legal advice, not to issue the findings of the research whilst the cases against our fans were progressing so as not to prejudice the proceedings in any way, and, in light of yesterday’s developments, this remains the position.
“We shall continue to monitor these cases as they proceed.
“At this point in time, whilst we believe that our fans do not use the word with any deliberate intent to offend, we would once again remind our fans that the Metropolitan Police has stated that the use of the word can be considered a criminal offence on the basis that it can cause offence and we would ask that supporters are mindful of their use of the word.”
The club went on to stress their stance on maintaining a “zero tolerance position on anti-Semitic abuse”.
Gary Whybrow, 31, Sam Parsons, 24, and Peter Ditchman, 52, are due to appear before magistrates on February 4 accused of using threatening, abusive or insulting words.
Whybrow, from west London, and Parsons, from Amersham, Buckinghamshire, are accused of the offence during the Europa League game against FC Sheriff onNovember 7, while Ditchman, from Bishop’s Stortford, allegedly used bad language in the Barclays Premier League clash with West Ham on October 6.
Police have repeatedly warned fans not to use the word ”yid” in recent months, and have also made arrests over various anti-Semitic tweets aimed at Spurs fans.
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