This isn’t a Call to Arms. We’re not suggesting anyone be a martyr on Sunday. We do believe though that as a Tottenham Hotspur supporter, Jewish or otherwise, you have a right to say/chant the word ‘yid’. That’s our opinion. It’s not a fact in the eyes of the law. Talking of the law, if […]
Advice for Spurs fans on Sunday
This isn’t a Call to Arms. We’re not suggesting anyone be a martyr on Sunday. We do believe though that as a Tottenham Hotspur supporter, Jewish or otherwise, you have a right to say/chant the word ‘yid’. That’s our opinion. It’s not a fact in the eyes of the law.
Talking of the law, if you’ve spoken to a solicitor and require further assistance then check out Credible.
The Met police have issued a statement:
“Officers at this Sunday’s Premier League fixture between Tottenham Hotspur FC and West Ham United will be on the look out for supporters that use the ‘Y’ word and they will be taking action to stamp it out;
“Some words – like the ‘Y’ word – which historically have been perceived by some as acceptable, cause harassment, alarm or distress to others, and people who use this language could be committing a criminal offence;
“The Met has a long history of working with football clubs and the football authorities, including the FA, to educate, encourage and empower supporters to stamp out racism in football and to ensure that there is no misunderstanding about what constitutes racist language or behaviour.”
We note that there is no mention of working with us, the supporters, in this statement and arguably had that been the starting point rather than the threat of using the full weight of the law against us, we would not find ourselves in this situation today. We are saddened that in 2013 we are still seen as part of the problem rather than the solution.
From this statement, we can take that if Spurs fans are caught chanting ‘yid’ they’re likely to receive police attention. Read more on that in The Trust’s excellent statement released yesterday. In real terms the police will have to pin point individuals, which means that even as a part of a crowd you could be pulled. There’s obvious logistical problems for the police. They will have to act on a complaint from a witness or personally witness you using the word. If you’re sure you want to continue to chant ‘yid’ as we believe is your right, then there are probably ways to do so that minimise the risk of you being arrested.
If the worst happens and you find yourself arrested then the following advice is crucial.
You will be taken to a police station. You will be offered the opportunity of legal representation. Turn down the offer of the duty solicitor and request representation from a firm called Bailey Nicholson Grayson. Their number is 07818 575 793. Write that number down, or put it in your phone now. Pass it on to anyone you know going to the game. They are aware of the situation and prepared for it. You may have to wait longer and understandably this is not appealing, but do wait!
You may be offered a caution. Under no circumstances accept this until you’ve spoken to a solicitor. A caution is an admission of guilt. It will show up on CRB checks, it is not a ‘slap on the wrist’ or a ‘get out of jail free’ card. The information is likely to passed back to the Club who then could well issue a ban as they will assume you’re guilty as, well, you’ve admitted it. The police will also have this on record and it could influence the way you’re treated by them in future.
Since the Met have indicated that arrests may be made under the Public Order Act, it’s recommended that you read and understand pages 30-31 of ‘Keeping the Peace’ from the Association of Officer Police. Information is power and understanding this will do nothing if not reaffirm your belief that you’re doing nothing wrong.
Finally, if challenged by police be respectful and cooperate as the experience will be easier for you. The police are not there because they have an opinion on the argument. Rightly or wrongly it’s their job and they’re doing as they’re instructed.
Remember while the situation is different from previous attempts to get us to stop chanting ‘yid’ there has been no test case to go through the courts. The change in direction, despite the Met police stating last year that Spurs fans wouldn’t face arrest, is more serious. If arrests are made and charges brought, even if you did not seek legal representation at the police station The Trust will still be able to assist in providing you with a solicitor, contact us [email protected], or The Trust [email protected] There are lawyers prepared to help and costs will be kept as low as possible. Don’t go it alone.
All views and opinions expressed in this article are the views and opinions of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of The Fighting Cock. We offer a platform for fans to commit their views to text and voice their thoughts. Football is a passionate game and as long as the views stay within the parameters of what is acceptable, we encourage people to write, get involved and share their thoughts on the mighty Tottenham Hotspur.
17 Comments
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05/10/2013 @ 1:56 pm
I so don’t give a toss. It’s a crappy nickname anyway, most supporters aren’t Jewish.
05/10/2013 @ 2:23 pm
Thanks for taking the time to let us know you don’t give a toss.
05/10/2013 @ 4:28 pm
I’m sure you must have taken ages to think of your considered opinion and it’s also clear from your response Rob that you are really well educated :)
05/10/2013 @ 1:56 pm
YID Army
05/10/2013 @ 2:45 pm
Great stuff!!!!!! i will be watching the game at home….in Ireland……Where we dont mind being called names……..i do have an issue with going to SPURS….cause they call me an me ould mate rob “PADDY”!…………………………this is FUC7ING stupid!!!! i feel the pc v pr is tits up and designed to derail out progress…….step up you arswole, chelski, manc spammers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
05/10/2013 @ 3:22 pm
It seems Julian that if you are so ashamed of Jews/ Yids you should wear something that says that when you attend the games at WHL. Show what a committed/concerned Spurs supporter you are to everyone!!
06/10/2013 @ 12:04 am
Ok Pleb (which is what you are) or lets insist the Jews (Nazis of the 21st century) wear yellow stars of David when they attend the lane.
05/10/2013 @ 3:34 pm
By the way “Pleb” at least I’ve got the balls to submit my real name.
05/10/2013 @ 4:00 pm
julian…….you say you don`t choose your club, but consider yourself unchosen, we don`t want you!…..f***off and take your nazi views with to stamford bridge or upton park – you will be welcome there
06/10/2013 @ 12:07 am
Peter…you are a nazi right wing ignorant sad person. Not worth arguing with you as you don’t have enough brain cells. Read history and current affairs!!!
05/10/2013 @ 4:33 pm
So let’s chant, at regular intervals ‘Brits’ ‘ Yamks’ ‘ Aussies’ ‘ Kiwis’.
They will get the point
05/10/2013 @ 5:11 pm
Freedom of speech and expression is being suppressed at every opportunity. The MET is politicized now. For me I will act in no way to compromise anyone who uses the Yid word in song or chant.
05/10/2013 @ 5:35 pm
Will they be picking up anybody making hissing noises or singing about Hitler, or is that too much of a grey area….
05/10/2013 @ 7:56 pm
If it racially offends one person – which obviously it does in its hundreds if not thousands – why the fuck are we so protective of it. Grow the fuck up!!!
In the 70’s, WBA was called a ‘coon’ club by racist fans because they had more black players than other team. if West Brom fans tried to ‘own’ that slur by now chanting ‘coon’ or even the ‘N’ word, would ANYONE condone it. Of course not! It is exactly the same with the ‘yid’ chants.
Are Tottenham fans too stupid and ignorant to understand the offence?
05/10/2013 @ 10:39 pm
No there not! Different people and places have different understandings and uses of words. In this case parts of north London use the term yid to simply mean ‘someone who supports tottenham’ or indeed ‘a tottenham player’. when I grew up Jewish arsenal fans called me a ‘dirty yid’; jewish tottenham fans called me a yiddo. The negative aspects of the word, which certain people are affected by, is not expressed by tottenham fans. Indeed, many arsenal fans probably just mean ‘Tottenham fan’ when using the word.
It is not as simple as you are claiming. As I am sure you are aware slurs on the illusion of ‘race'(the concept of race itself doesn’t even make sense biologically), sexuality and ethnicity , have varying degrees of social acceptance. For example the term ‘gay’ is widely used to mean bad. The people using ‘gay’ in this way are largely not homophobic. The word has taken on different usages depending on context. Whereas the N word is socially unacceptable in most circumstances in this country. Relevantly I can say ‘yid’ on the street, even shout it in certain places without anyone Jewish or non Jewish having any problem with its use.
I am not ignorant and I also have right to call myself something which I have my whole life.
Yid Army!
05/10/2013 @ 10:41 pm
they’re*
05/10/2013 @ 9:19 pm
Is the Commisioner of Her Majestys Metropolitan Police Force Insisting that all Spurs Fans are not to use the Y word to describe themselves, or Just the Gentile’s?
Are Members of the Jewish Faith who apparently have Shunned the Heartfelt Friendly Overtones and Welcoming warm out stretched Arms of David (Kapo) Baddiel’s all inclusive Blue Brotherhood, to become in someway anti-semitic and anti-Zionists in our support for Spurs to be arrested if we describe ourselves as Yids? Or are we to be in some way immune from arrest. perhaps The Commisioner of Her Majesty’s Metropolitan Police Force, Would like to be able to differentiate between ourselves and Gentile Spurs Fan’s, We dont all where big black Fur Hats and have Hacidic curls and long Beards, few Jews I know go around singing “If I where a rich man”.
Perhaps Commisioner Hogan Howe will get his Officers to Hand out Yellow stars so they can tell us from the Evil Gentiles who dare to upset Baddiel and stand at our shoulder and call themselves Brother Yids?