Arsenal launches “Jewish Gooners” partly in response to antisemitism

Arsenal Football Club has announced the launch of a new affiliate called “Jewish Gooners”, partly in response to antisemitism among supporters.

The purpose of the group will be to combat antisemitism and cultivate a more “inclusive” environment for Jewish fans, for example by enabling Jewish fans who observe the Sabbath to share their tickets with friends.

Jewish fans have complained about antisemitism among some of their fellow fans, including anti-Jewish jokes and Holocaust-denial, and plans to set up the group have reportedly been in the works for a couple of years.

The group will officially launch with a party on 14th May at Emirates Stadium.

The announcement came as Arsenal also disclosed that it was banning five supporters for three years over antisemitic incidents online and in the stadium, as well as 31 other exclusions for other forms of abusive behaviour.

Arsenal’s Supporter Liaison Officer said: “We’re very pleased to welcome the Jewish Gooners supporters’ club to the Arsenal family. We’ve already worked together on a number of initiatives and we’re looking forward to building on this in the future. Their counsel and support helps our ongoing drive against abuse and discrimination and we’ll work collaboratively, as we do with all our supporters’ clubs around the world, to celebrate and champion our diverse communities with the aim of ensuring everyone feels welcome at Arsenal.”