Police find no evidence of antisemitic chanting at JFS football match

Norfolk Police have found no evidence to support allegations of antisemitic chanting during a football match involving JFS pupils.

The conclusion follows an investigation into reports that players from JFS were subjected to chants including “dirty Jew” and “go back to the gas chambers” during an under-15 national schools tournament quarter-final against Thorpe St Andrew School in Norfolk earlier this month.

A police spokesperson said officers reviewed match footage and took statements from witnesses, including officials, coaches and supporters, but found no evidence of antisemitic language. The force said the allegation did not meet the evidential threshold required for criminal proceedings and confirmed the investigation had been closed with no further action.

In a statement, the trust said it had “cooperated fully and transparently throughout” and reiterated that “antisemitism and all forms of discrimination are completely unacceptable and have no place in our schools.”

A spokesperson for Thorpe St Andrew School had previously said it was “deeply concerned” by the reports of alleged antisemitic behaviour.

The trust added that it had been working with local Jewish representatives to maintain positive community relations following the incident.

The update marks a significant development in the case, which had prompted concern within the Jewish community and calls for action after initial reports of alleged abuse at the fixture.

At the time, JFS said it was gathering statements from pupils who attended the match, describing the reported behaviour as “unacceptable” and saying students “should never have had to put up with the abuse that was thrown at them.”

Campaign Against Antisemitism had also urged police to investigate, describing the alleged chants as “outrageous and potentially criminal behaviour.”

JFS has been contacted for further comment following the conclusion of the police investigation.