Football charity teams up with Chelsea in video to challenge antisemitism
Kick It Out and screenwriter Ivor Baddiel unite with famous London club in an 'uncompromising' clip to tackle hate
Football’s anti-discrimination body has teamed up with Chelsea Football Club and screenwriter Ivor Baddiel to produce a hard-hitting three-minute video about antisemitism in football.
Described as “uncompromising,” it highlights antisemitic abuse in the game, after Kick It Out, football’s equality and inclusion organisation, revealed that one in ten incidents of abuse within English Football is targeted at Jews.
Among the clips shown in the short film are supporters singing chants about Jews and foreskin, while another says “Spurs are on their way to Auschwitz”.
Among the contributors were former Chelsea and England international Eni Aluko, who was nominated for PFA Women’s Player of the Year. Chelsea and Baddiel have now given the film to Kick It Out to use as part of its educational programme.
“The problem of antisemitism in football isn’t as widely discussed as it should be,” said Aluko. “But Chelsea and Kick It Out’s work is shining a spotlight on the issue, and this hard-hitting film will play a big part in that.”
She added: “Jewish people have always been part of the football community, on and off the pitch, so it’s essential we talk about antisemitism and the impact it can have on the Jewish community, the game and society as a whole. I’m proud to play my part in that conversation.”
Earlier this year, Kick It Out worked with the Community Security Trust (CST) to produce a training guide for match-day stewards to help improve awareness of antisemitic behaviour and the role they and their club play in tackling it.
The guide gives information on the laws around antisemitism, as well as advice on what action can be taken under The Football (Offences) Act 1991.
Kick It Out said: “Antisemitism remains a serious issue in football and wider society. In recent years both organisations have recorded notable increases in the number of antisemitic incidents occurring in England.”
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