Tottenham have warned fans that the singing of a homophobic chant which references Dominic Solanke and Mikel Arteta will be sanctioned.
The club circulated an email to season-ticket holders stating they will take ‘a zero-tolerance approach’ to any discriminatory chants or behaviour.
During Tottenham‘s 4-0 win over Man United at Old Trafford before the international break, groups of the away fans were heard singing a song.
The chant is aimed towards Solanke but it contains a homophobic slur directed at Arsenal manager Arteta.
And ahead of Spurs’ fixture against West Ham on Saturday 19 October, fans have been warned in advance that any such chants will be punished.
“Dear Supporter,” read the email. “We should firstly like to thank our fans for their cooperation following our previous communication on this matter ahead of the Brighton away fixture, at which there were no reports of homophobic chanting.
“Ahead of tomorrow’s home fixture with West Ham United, we will not be complacent and are therefore reminding supporters that the Club takes a zero-tolerance approach to all forms of discrimination.
“Our stewards will once again be wearing body cams to identify any individuals involved in unacceptable chanting so that the Club can take the strongest possible action, in line with our Sanctions & Banning Policy.
“For the avoidance of doubt, this includes the Dominic Solanke chant with reference to Mikel Arteta and any use of the term ‘Rent Boy’ – which the Crown Prosecution Service considers a homophobic slur and hate crime.
“Stewards will identify those instigating and participating in any such chants – including those covering their mouths. Abuse and intimidation towards our stewards will not be tolerated either, with bans issued where necessary.
“We are justly proud of our superb and loyal support, home and away. However, we all have a responsibility to act as ambassadors of 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 manner that all our fans can enjoy and be a part of.”
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Immediately after the Man United match, Spurs had also released a statement strongly condemning the chants and promising consequences for those involved.
“The Club is aware of abhorrent homophobic chanting from sections of our away support at Old Trafford today,” it read.
“This is simply unacceptable, hugely offensive and no way to show support for the team.
“The Club will be working closely with the Police and stewards to identify anyone instigating or joining in with the chanting – we shall take the strongest possible action in accordance with our Sanctions and Banning Policy.
It added: “We shall be continuing our work with our LGBTQ+ supporters’ association, Proud Lilywhites, to ensure a welcoming and inclusive environment for all fans on matchdays.
“We are justly proud of our superb and loyal support, home and away. However, we all have a responsibility to act as ambassadors of Tottenham Hotspur and discrimination of any kind has no place at our Club.”
Their message was echoed by Spurs’ LGBTQI+ association, Proud LilyWhites who criticised certain fans for their action.
“Loved what happened on the pitch at Old Trafford; didn’t love the homophobic chanting off the pitch,” their statement read.
“Dom deserves better and as for the other one.
“We’re all Spurs fans just like you. When you sing these songs you’re telling us we don’t belong; and we do-as much as you do.”
The organisation Kick It Out, who fight against all forms of discrimination in football, reinforced the message.
They wrote on X: “Homophobia has no place in football.”
