Root them out

  • by Staff Writer
  • Monday, 26th November 2012

West Ham United insists that it will introduce life bans for any fans involved in inappropriate chanting at White Hart Lane during yesterday's Premier League clash with Tottenham.

A small pocket of individuals present in the away end - estimated to be around 20-30 in number, or 0.7 per cent of the 2,800 travelling contingent at the game - were involved in anti-semitic chanting towards the end of the match, which the home side won 3-1.

However eye-witness reports suggest that claims of widespread 'hissing' noises - said to represent gas chambers - are wide of the mark and were actually 'shushing' noises, aimed at the home fans due to their relative silence.

In a statement released this morning, West Ham United confirmed that it will do all it can to root out those individuals who brought shame on the club and the vast majority of impeccably-behaved supporters present at the match.

"West Ham United are in contact with Tottenham Hotspur to assist them with their investigation into the conduct of a small number of supporters and alleged inappropriate chanting during yesterday's match at White Hart Lane," it read.

"West Ham United will take the strongest possible action against any of their supporters, including enforcing life bans from the club, that are found guilty of behaviour which is categorically not condoned by West Ham United.

"During the 46 games in the Championship last season, West Ham United had zero arrests for racism or violence, so while we are surprised to see such reports today, we will examine any available evidence of such conduct thoroughly and take the appropriate action."

White Hart Lane: the truth

Number of individuals estimated to have sung 'Forza/Viva Lazio' chant: ½-¾ (50-75%)

Number of individuals estimated to have sung Hitler-related chant: 20-30 (0.07%)

Number of individuals estimated to have made 'hissing' noises: negligible (if any)

* Research involved personal accounts of around 25 fans (and rising) present at the game. Figures in parentheses refer to total away allocation of 2,800.

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