Leeds United Football Club include statement condemning antisemitism into matchday programme
Leeds United Football Club included a statement in which it condemned antisemitism into its matchday programme on Sunday.
The statement made a point to speak out against fans who they say have “tarnished some fixtures by using antisemitic chanting, noises and gestures.”
On the issue of the usage of the word ‘yid’ in football, Leeds United added that it also opposed the “justification of opposition fans using specific terms as a form of identity”, and that the club “must make it clear that there is no place for such behaviour at Leeds United Football Club, regardless of its use by supporters of other clubs or its inclusion in the Oxford English Dictionary, whereby definition the Y-word is described as ‘derogatory and offensive’.”
It continued: “Discriminatory actions or language have no place anywhere in football or society and everyone associated with Leeds United is proud to be part of an inclusive and diverse club. Our players, staff, fans and visitors come from such a wide range of backgrounds and cultures, including the Jewish community, and we want to ensure that everyone feels safe and valued at all times.
“We would like to urge all of our supporters to think about the words they use and show their support in the right way, at Elland Road and any other ground around the country.”
Last week, two men were arrested after a video surfaced of West Ham fans chanting an antisemitic song at a Hasidic passenger on a flight to a match. West Ham has since confirmed that it has banned two of those involved in the chanting.
The Premier League, including Leeds United, have adopted the International Definition of Antisemitism.
A spokesperson for Campaign Against Antisemitism said: “We commend Leeds United for taking a firm stand against antisemitism, particularly given the various high-profile instances of abhorrent anti-Jewish racism by some football supporters of other clubs. Antisemitism in sport in intolerable, and other football clubs should follow Leeds’ admirable example.”
Campaign Against Antisemitism continues to act against instances of anti-Jewish racism in all sports.
