Spurs fans disappointed over inaction on ‘Yid’ consultation

Jewish fans of Tottenham Hotspurs Football Club who were promised a summer consultation on the use of the Y-word have expressed “disappointment” at the club’s inaction, days before the start of the new season.

The apparent U-turn is the latest setback in some fans’ efforts to rid the stadium of the phrase ‘Yid Army,’ which is sung with pride by Spurs supporters in reference to the club’s Jewish roots. Other Jewish fans say the Y-word is offensive and racist, and that singing it allows rival fans to use the word abusively.

In May, in response to criticism from Holocaust educators, the club said: “We undertook a survey of fans’ use of the term in October 2013 and shall be conducting a further fan consultation prior to the start of next season.”

However despite repeated requests for information on the consultation throughout the summer, this newspaper has had no response from the club, leaving some fans disappointed.

“I am a loyal Spurs season ticket holder and have been left very disappointed with the club’s handling – or lack of – on this thorny issue,” said Jewish London resident William Mach.

“The new football season starts soon, so how will there be time to consult the fans about the Y-word as the club promised? Did they drop the idea or just kick it into the long grass hoping it will go away and do nothing for another six years?”