Soccer Fans Subject Chasid to Anti-Semitic Songs on Flight

 

A West Ham fan has been arrested on suspicion of a hate crime after landing in Stansted Airport following reports that a orthodox Jewish man was subjected to offensive chanting  yesterday. 

Video footage onboard the Ryanair flight showed several fans signing a highly offensive song at the man as he attempted to take his seat on board the flight from Stansted to Genk on Thursday. 

Essex Police confirmed the 55-year-old football fan was arrested as he stepped off the return flight from Belgium shortly before 4pm.  

He has been taken to an Essex Police station for questioning. 

Chief Superintendent Tom Simons, who is leading the investigation said: 'Essex Police will not tolerate racism or discrimination of any kind.

'Having been made aware of the incident this morning, officers worked quickly to secure an arrest at the earliest possible opportunity.'

The enquiry is ongoing.

Essex Police has called for anyone who has further footage of the incident to call detectives on 101. 

West Ham's manager David Moyes today condemned the minority of fans who were involved in the alleged abuse

He said there is 'no room for discrimination' 

A video emerged on social media on Thursday appearing to show some West Ham supporters on a flight to Belgium singing the offensive song as the man walks down the aisle to take his seat.

The fans on the flight were on their way to watch West Ham play Belgian side Genk in a Europa League tie.

The chant they can be heard singing is typically aimed at rivals Tottenham as an insult and reference to the Jewish ownership of the club.

Commenting on the incident, Moyes said: 'Well I have to say first of all that I don’t see our football club being like that. We are a diverse football club. There’s no room for discrimination anywhere.

'I’m really disappointed to hear about it. I’m sure it’s only individuals and not a big section of supporters. I’m just sorry to hear about it.

'I want this football club to be recognised for having a really good football team. I want this football club to be recognised as being a great club in London and well respected.