Tottenham tell fans to stop singing song that references Mikel Arteta and Dominic Solanke
Tottenham have warned their fans that singing a homophobic chant referencing Dominic Solanke and Mikel Arteta will be punished.
The club sent an email to season ticket holders saying they will take “a zero tolerance approach” to any discriminatory chanting or behaviour.
During TottenhamIn Manchester United's 4-0 win over Manchester United at Old Trafford before the international break, groups of visiting fans were heard singing a song.
The song is directed to Solanke but it contains a homophobic insult directed at the Arsenal manager. arteta.
And ahead of Spurs' match against West Ham on Saturday 19 October, fans have been warned beforehand that any such chanting will be punished.
“Dear Supporter,” the email said. “Firstly, we would like to thank our fans for their cooperation following our previous communication on this matter before the away game at Brighton, in which there were no reports of homophobic chanting.
“Ahead of tomorrow's home game against West Ham United, we will not be complacent and therefore remind our supporters that the Club takes a zero-tolerance approach to all forms of discrimination.
“Our stewards will once again use body cameras to identify anyone involved in unacceptable chanting so that the Club can take the strongest possible action, in line with our Sanctions and Bans Policy.
“For the avoidance of doubt, this includes Dominic Solanke's chant in reference to Mikel Arteta and any use of the term 'Rent Boy', which the Crown Prosecution Service considers a homophobic slur and a hate crime.
“Stewards will identify those instigating and participating in such chants, including those who cover their mouths. Abuse and intimidation towards our stewards will also not be tolerated, and bans will be issued where necessary.
“We are rightly proud of our excellent and loyal support, at home and away. However, we all have a responsibility to act as ambassadors for Tottenham Hotspur and discrimination of any kind has no place at our Club.
“We look forward to seeing our fans back at our home stadium, supporting the team in a way that all of our fans can enjoy and be a part of.”
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Immediately after the Man United game, The Spurs had also issued a statement. strongly condemning the chants and promising consequences for those involved.
“The Club is aware of the abhorrent homophobic chants from our visiting public at Old Trafford today,” it said.
“This is simply unacceptable, hugely offensive and not a way to show support for the team.
“The Club will work closely with police and administrators to identify anyone instigating or joining in with chanting and we will take the strongest possible action in line with our Sanctions and Bans Policy.
He added: “We will continue our work with our LGBTQ+ supporters association, Proud Lilywhites, to ensure a welcoming and inclusive environment for all fans on match days.
“We are rightly proud of our excellent and loyal support, at home and away. However, we all have a responsibility to act as ambassadors for Tottenham Hotspur and discrimination of any kind has no place at our Club.”
His message was echoed in the Spurs' LGBTQI+ association, Proud LilyWhites who criticized certain fans for their action.
“I loved what happened on the Old Trafford pitch; I didn't love the homophobic chants off the pitch,” the statement read.
“Dom deserves better and as for the other.
“We're all Spurs fans, just like you. When you sing these songs, you're telling us we don't belong; and we do, just as much as you do.”
the organization throw it outwho fight against all forms of discrimination in football, reinforced the message.
They wrote in X: “Homophobia has no place in football.”
