EPL Tottenham fans "will not be censured for chanting the word 'Yid,'" according to Simon Johnson of the London EVENING STANDARD. Tottenham has "a large Jewish following and their supporters began the 'Yid army' chant years ago in response to anti-Semitic abuse from followers of other clubs." The FA last week reiterated that it would take action if "the word was used at matches." The FA said "it could amount to a criminal offence and leave fans liable to prosecution." The FA's pleas were ignored, however, by "large sections of the Spurs crowd at White Hart Lane during Saturday’s win over Norwich, with their traditional chant of ‘Yid army’ sung after just three minutes as well as 'We’re Tottenham Hotspur, we’ll sing what we want.'" The FA "did not want to comment on the matter but confirmed they would not be taking action and will continue to work with Spurs over the issue" (EVENING STANDARD, 9/16).
CLUB TO MAKE STATEMENT: The London TELEGRAPH reported Tottenham will "ask supporters if they want to stop chanting 'Yid' in matches." Tottenham Hotspur Supporters' Trust Chair Darren Alexander said that the club "will be sending out a questionnaire to gauge the mood on the terraces." Alexander: "There is a document that Spurs will be sending out to season-ticket holders in due course. It's a questionnaire, and basically what the club want to ascertain is do the fans think now is the right time to stop using this identity." The FA's intervention "prompted a fierce response from Spurs supporters" who insist they should be "the ones to decide whether it is time to end the chants." Alexander added, "If Spurs fans genuinely are going to stop using this word then it should be our decision" (TELEGRAPH, 9/16).
