West Ham united have promised to ban fans who abused an orthodox Jewish man with antisemitic songs on an away trip to Belgium.
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.
West Ham fans have filmed themselves harassing an Orthodox Jewish man on an away day to Belgium. pic.twitter.com/SL6LMCL8D9
— The Jewish Chronicle (@JewishChron) November 5, 2021
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.
Disgusting.
— Ian Austin (@LordIanAustin) November 4, 2021
That’s not an “anti Tottenham song”, it’s antisemitic.
The poor guy.
It’s racist abuse.
Why weren’t they kicked off the flight?
Will @WestHam identify the fans and ban them.
Will @metpoliceuk arrest and prosecute them?
I’ll be writing to @karren_brady about this. https://t.co/DxrxhOHqi6
Disgusting anti-Jewish chant towards a Jewish man by a crowd of @WestHam fans. The club and everyone of goodwill should condemn this. Kick out racism in football and ban these “fans”. https://t.co/xGul36ijvv @kickitout
— Michael Dickson (@michaeldickson) November 4, 2021
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.