Home Secretary Priti Patel has called the video of an Orthodox Jewish man being racially abused on a Ryanair flight to Belgium "vile". 

In an exclusive statement to the JC, the Home Secretary defended the UK's hate crime laws and said that the police and West Ham Football Club have her 'full backing' in dealing with the individuals concerned. 

Speaking to the JC, Patel said: “The video circulating on social media is absolutely appalling and there is no place in football or our country for this vile, racist, antisemitic abuse.

“In the UK, we have some of the toughest laws in the world to deal with hate crime, and the police and West Ham Football Club have my full backing to take the toughest possible action against these individuals.”

Videos circulated yesterday on social media showing fans from the London club drinking on a Ryanair flight to Belgium and chanting “we’ve got a foreskin how about you?" to an Orthodox Jewish passenger. They also chanted anti-Tottenham chants at the man, who can be seen in videos quietly making his way to his seat. 

The footage received outcry on social media with many calling for West Ham to ban the fans and identify them and Lord Austin saying he would write to Hammers Vice-Chairman Karren Brady for an explanation.

A West Ham spokesperson said: “West Ham United is appalled by the contents of the video circulating on social media and condemn the behaviour of the individuals involved. The club is liaising with the airline and relevant authorities to identify the individuals.

“We continue to be unequivocal in our stance – we have a zero-tolerance approach to any form of discrimination. Any individuals identified will be issued with an indefinite ban from the club. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of the football club and we do not welcome any individuals who do not share those values.”

Ryanair has been reached for comment.