Tottenham statement in response to FA issuing new guidelines calling for end of any "Yid" chants by ANY fans >>> "We are acutely aware of the sensitivity of this issue. Our fans historically adopted the chant as a defence mechanism in order to own the term and thereby deflect anti-Semitic abuse. They do not use the term with any deliberate intent to cause offence.

"Last season saw a number of incidents where fans were targeted by allegedly far-right activists on the Continent and subjected to anti-Semitic abuse by opposition fans.

"Subsequently, the debate on this issue has two key considerations. Firstly, whether or not its use now plays a role in deflecting or attracting unjustified abuse, abuse that is inexcusable on any grounds; and secondly, whether it is liable to cause offence to others even if unintentionally. Our fans have themselves engaged in this debate following the events of last season.

"We recognise that this is a complex debate and that, in the interests of encouraging a positive and safe environment for all supporters, consideration should be given to the appropriateness and suitability of its continued use.

"We are already in the process of engaging with our fans and shall be consulting more widely in due course."

Original FA statement http://www.thefa.com/News/governance/equality/2013/sep/football-association-position-on-y-word.aspx

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