Leeds release statement after video of fans’ chant about Tottenham loanee Manor Solomon emerges
Yesterday at 12:49 PM
Leeds United have released a statement to condemn chants about Manor Solomon.
Footage emerged that appeared to show Leeds’ away supporters tragedy chanting and displaying discriminatory behaviour towards their on-loan Tottenham player.
It occurred during their 2-0 away victory over Stoke City on Boxing Day at the Bet365 Stadium, with chants audible in the stadium and on television, while a video of some fans doing the chant in the concourse was also put online.
In the statement, Leeds reminded supporters that discriminatory chanting could be deemed illegal by authorities after a song referencing the Israeli winger and the State of Palestine.
The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has claimed tens of thousands of lives with the most recent resurgence of violence between Israel’s Defence Force (IDF) and Islamic Resistance Movement, Hamas.
A Leeds United spokesperson told the Yorkshire Evening Post: “Discriminatory language or chanting is not acceptable and supporters could be breaking the law.
“The club condemns this behaviour and has a zero-tolerance policy towards discrimination abuse of all kinds.
"Tough measures and sanctions are in place across all English football leagues to tackle illegal behaviours within football grounds, and this involves but is not limited to, discriminatory behaviour and tragedy chanting."
The Crown Prosecution Service has suggested that fans guilty of tragedy chanting or discriminatory behaviour could be handed punishments including being stopped from attending matches or public areas on matchdays.
Such acts could lead to stadium bans and supporters being arrested.
Solomon is currently on loan with Leeds having joined from Tottenham during the summer.
The 25-year-old has played 16 times for Leeds, scoring three goals and providing three assists.
He played 76 minutes in the 2-0 win over Stoke, a result that saw Daniel Farke’s side retain top spot in the Championship.
