London – The ugly specter of antisemitism in football has raised
its face again after a man was arrested at an English Premier League game.
Police confirmed that a 57-year-old man was arrested and charged on
“suspicion of a racially aggravated offense” at Sunday’s match
between Tottenham Hotspur and Southampton.
Tottenham’s fanbase has a large Jewish contingent, and they originally
called themselves “Yid Army” in response to antisemitic abuse from
rival supporters, but the offense did not relate to the “Y-word.”
The club has often experienced abuse by its London rivals but this
incident was unusual given the lack of animosity between Tottenham and Southampton.
The latest incident involved antisemitic abuse and the man, who was
sitting in the visitors’ section at Tottenham’s White Hart Lane, was reported
by two Southampton supporters to police.
A statement from the London Metropolitan Police read: “During the
Tottenham vs. Southampton match at White Hart Lane on March 23, officers in the
stadium received a complaint regarding the behavior of a man sat in an area
reserved for away supporters.
“The complaint was made by two people sat in the same area of the
stadium.
“Officers arrested the man, aged 57, on suspicion of a racially
aggravated offense under section five of the Public Order Act.
“He was taken into custody and subsequently bailed until May 19,
pending further investigation.”
