Arsenal, Spurs issue joint appeal on fans

LONDON -Reuters

Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal release a joint statement warning their fans against ‘anti-social’ behavior during the North London derby on Nov. 17. Reuters Photo

North London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur have taken the rare step of issuing a joint statement warning their fans against “anti-social behaviour” when the clubs meet in their first derby of the season on Nov. 17.

The match, at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium, marks the 125th anniversary of the first meeting in November 1887 between the embryonic sides that evolved into Arsenal and Spurs and comes at a time of renewed interest in unacceptable behavior at football games.

The statement, issued on the websites of both clubs on Nov. 16, says: “Both clubs are actively encouraging all fans to focus on getting behind their team and enjoying what promises to be a great match on Saturday.

“A north London derby is always a special occasion and we hope Saturday’s match will be remembered for both the action on the pitch, as well as the positive support for both teams off it.

“All fans should be aware that breaches of stadium regulations - including anti-social behavior - will not be tolerated.”

Both clubs have a large number of Jewish supporters, but Spurs fans have rejoiced in calling themselves “The Yid Army” for the last 30 years, appropriating the offensive term into a badge of honor against opponents who abused them by using it.

The newly-vociferous Society of Black Lawyers (SBL) tried to instigate proceedings against the club for allowing the fans to chant the name but their attempt was rejected by both the Metropolitan Police and the club.

In a separate statement, Spurs said its officials are to meet with police to discuss how to tackle anti-Semitism.

Representatives of anti-racism group Kick It Out will also be present at next week’s meeting.
However, Spurs said the meeting was not specifically about Tottenham fans’ reference to themselves as “Yid Army. ”

Peter Herbert, who chairs the SBL has said he would report the club to police over the chant if no action was taken.

But Spurs said the meeting was about how to collectively tackle anti-Semitism, rather than a specific discussion about the chant

A statement on Tottenham’s website read: “As part of our desire for a wider debate and action on how to collectively eradicate anti-Semitism from our footballing community, the club has arranged to meet with Kick It Out and the Metropolitan Police next week in order to discuss measures to be taken both inside and outside stadia.”