FA condemns Nazi-saluting England fans filmed singing anti-Semitic songs
Football Association criticises small group of supporters in Volgograd, taunting Tottenham fans over Jewish links and performing the Hitler salute
The Football Association has strongly condemned the actions of a small group of apparent England fans after they were filmed singing anti-Semitic songs.
The video, which was reportedly filmed in Volgograd – the venue of England’s 2-1 World Cup win over Tunisia on Monday – was published by The Sun on Wednesday.
Footage appears to show at least two men taunting Tottenham over their Jewish heritage while performing Nazi salutes.
A spokesperson for the FA said: “We strongly condemn the actions of the people in this video.
“We are working with the relevant authorities, including the UK Police investigations team, who are making enquiries to identify the individuals involved and take appropriate action.
“The disgraceful conduct of the individuals in this video does not represent the values of the majority of English football fans supporting the team in Russia.”
Football’s equality and inclusion organisation Kick It Out, echoed the views of the FA, with its chairman Lord Ouseley, saying: “We support the comments made by Fare Network and The Football Association and we hope this is an isolated incident. We condemn all such conduct and expect the perpetrators to be punished.”
Simon Johnson, CEO of the Jewish Leadership Council, and former director of corporate affairs at the FA condemned the incident. He said: “It is depressing to see England fans using the Nazi salute and returning to the use of racial hatred as part of their chanting.
“I welcome the Police and The FA investigations, but I call upon the Football Supporters Federation and the Official England Supporters Groups to unequivocally condemn this action and to root out such hatred.”
Board of Deputies Vice President Amanda Bowman condemned the incident, saying: “It is right that the FA is investigating these awful incidents. This sort of behaviour embarrasses our country and lets the side down at a time when we should be focused on supporting England and enjoying the World Cup.”
Confirmed – two English soccer fans make Nazi salutes and sing anti-semitic songs near the site of the battle of Stalingrad (of all places) on Monday. The incident happened at the Galleriya Pub on Mira Street in Volgograd. Where England played Tunisia in the #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/5mnffsP8tJ
— Bryan MacDonald (@27khv) June 20, 2018
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