Watford FC Chanukah event as goalkeeper reveals Jewish identity publicly

Watford FC has marked Chanukah with a community celebration at Vicarage Road, as the club’s Jewish supporters came together for what organisers describe as one of the longest-running Chanukah events in English football.

Around 150 people attended the evening, co-hosted by Watford FC and the Jewish Hornets supporters’ group, which featured candle-lighting, music, food and tributes recognising both loss and resilience within the Jewish community.

Rabbi Alex Goldberg officiated at the menorah lighting before handing the shamash to Watford goalkeeper Nathan Baxter, who spoke publicly about his Jewish identity for the first time.

Describing the moment on social media afterwards, Rabbi Goldberg said it was “quiet, brave, and deeply moving”, adding that it was “one of those moments that reminds you why visibility matters”.

A minute’s silence was held in memory of the victims of the recent terrorist attacks at Bondi Beach in Sydney and at Heaton Park synagogue in Manchester.

The event also included a short question-and-answer session with Baxter, a Watford-themed quiz and Chanukah doughnuts in the club’s colours. Long-standing supporter Stanley Stoller, 93, received a certificate marking 81 years of loyalty to the club.

Organisers said Watford’s Chanukah celebration has helped inspire similar Jewish supporters’ groups at clubs across the UK, while retaining a strong fan-led and community focus.

The evening concluded with a light-hearted prayer for Watford’s promotion from the Championship – a hope that drew one of the loudest responses of the night.