The ‘Y’ Word

Article by Johnny Murwill

The most recent outcry against anti-semitism and football has come directly from the FA itself. Yesterday, in a statement the FA said that, "Use of the term 'Yid' is likely to be considered offensive by the reasonable observer”, and that it “could amount to a criminal offence and leave fans liable to prosecution”. While not mentioning Tottenham Hotspur specifically, it was undoubtedly directed at Spurs fans.

This threat follows on from Peter Herbert’s relentless attack of last season, when he said that by calling for action against the use of the word ‘Yid’ by Spurs fans, he was exposing “the rather nasty underbelly of racism in British sport and this particular aspect of British sport, football”.

It is certainly a complicated issue. Those who oppose any utteration of ‘Yid’ argue that the racist and anti-semitic origins surrounding the word make it entirely inappropriate and offensive, in any context. Others insist that the context of the word is all-important, and argue that transforming the word into a badge of honour takes away its power. On the back of a long history of horrific anti-semitism against Spurs supporters, it is argued that the ‘Yid’ word incorporates both Jewish and non-Jewish supporters under a banner of solidarity and resistance in the face of vitriolic abuse from others.

Spurs Fans at a match
Picture: TottenhamHotspur.com

One of the main reasons put forward for why ‘Yid’ should be completely banned is that it encourages antisemitic abuse and violence against fans of the club. But surely this is the wrong way to look at a problem of racism? Cracking down on those who adopted a word in the face of huge antisemitism, due to fear that the use of that word might cause more antisemitism, is a confusing and misdirected idea.

Amongst the debates and headlines, it sometimes appears to be forgotten that whatever the controversy, Tottenham Hotspur fans are not the real perpetrators of abuse and racism here. The discussion would certainly hold more weight if it encompassed the multiple cases of widespread antisemitic chanting and hissing from supporters of other clubs, rather than simply targeting Spurs fans.

This is not to assume that there should not be some debate surrounding the use of the word ‘Yid’ at matches. Clubs and supporters alike should be open to change or discussion, and Tottenham Hotspur’s official statement that, “We recognise that this is a complex debate and that, in the interests of encouraging a positive and safe environment for all supporters, consideration should be given to the appropriateness and suitability of its continued use” suggests that this is ongoing. The sensitivities and feelings of others must be taken into account in this debate.

But while this debate continues, it should also be remembered that the tradition with which Spurs fans have adopted the word ‘Yid’ is steeped in opposition and resistance to racism and offence. As the club has often stated, “Our guiding principle in respect of the 'Y-word' is based on the point of law itself - the distinguishing factor is the intent with which it is used, ie if it is used with the deliberate intention to cause offence”. Whether offence is caused or not should be considered, but it is important that in the rhetoric, the intent behind the use of the word ‘Yid’ by Spurs fans is not forgotten. The use of the ‘Yid’ word is strongly contested on both sides, and while there is a good opportunity to continue to discuss the complexities of the issue, surely there are simpler and more challenging evils facing football.

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