‘Hate is alive in football,’ say Kick It Out after Nazi salute arrests at Spurs game
Campaign against football fan bigotry offers support to victims of racial abuse as two held over what seems to be fascist gesture
Fan bigotry at Premier League matches on Sunday show that “hate is alive and well within football”, according to the sport’s main anti-racism body.
Two supporters were arrested on suspicion of a racially-aggravated public order offence following the match between Tottenham and Burnley, where a visiting fan was seen appearing to perform a Nazi salute.
Two Brentford players, Rico Henry and Ivan Toney, also reported members of their family had been racially abused at their game against Everton at Goodison Park.
Kick It Out’s head of player engagement Troy Townsend said: “We have been made aware of a spate of new alleged anti-Semitic and racist comments and gestures linked to several clubs over the weekend.
“Whilst investigations are ongoing, we cannot comment on the specifics of cases. However, the events of the weekend once again highlight the fact that hate is still alive and well within football.
“Everton, Burnley and Tottenham all acted swiftly and we commend their energy in addressing these incidents. We hope appropriate and decisive action is taken against all those involved.
“Our support goes out to the victims. We will not stop fighting until hate is eradicated from our sport. Football is a game for everyone.”
Two Burnley fans were arrested after one was videoed making a Nazi salute towards Tottenham supporters during their Premier League win over the Clarets on Sunday.
In footage filmed at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium which was then shared on social media, one Burnley fan clearly performed the gesture towards Spurs supporters while another man stood next to him in the away section pretended to sob.
Stewards then stepped in to remove the two men from the stadium following complains from Tottenham supporters.
The Metropolitan Police subsequently confirmed that two men had been arrested on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence.
A statement from Tottenham on Sunday said: “The club can confirm two visiting supporters have been identified and arrested following discriminatory gestures at today’s match.
“We shall be supporting the police with their investigation.”
A Burnley statement said: “We can confirm there have been arrests in the away end today following reports of discrimination.
“This is now a police investigation and, collectively, we will work with Tottenham Hotspur, Met Police and Lancs Police on this matter.”
Met Police said: “During the Tottenham v Burnley match on Sunday, 15 May, officers were alerted to two men who had been ejected from the Burnley section of the stadium.
“Both men were subsequently arrested by Met officers on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence. They have been taken into custody.”
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