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Dartford man released on bail after West Ham fans chant anti-Semitic song at Jewish passenger at Stansted Airport

16:00, 10 November 2021

updated: 16:03, 10 November 2021

A man has been released on police bail after West Ham fans flying to a match bellowed an anti-Semitic song at an Orthodox Jewish passenger.

The 31-year-old was arrested earlier on this week in connection to the incident that took place last Thursday.

The incident took place on a Ryanair plane. Stock picture
The incident took place on a Ryanair plane. Stock picture

It follows a clip shared online showing a group of supporters directing a vile chant at the victim on a Ryanair plane at Stansted Airport.

The man from Dartford was the third to be detained in connection with the song.

He is now out on police bail until December 4 after being arrested on suspicion of religiously aggravated Section 4A Public Order harassment.

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

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

"We continue to be unequivocal in our stance: we have a zero-tolerance approach to any form of discrimination." - West Ham spokesman

The chanting was filmed while passengers were taking their seats on the aircraft last week.

In the clip, fans can be heard singing about arch rivals Tottenham, referencing genitalia and circumcision, while an Orthodox Jewish man walks down the aisle.

The first arrest was made at Stansted as a man, 55, stepped off a flight from Belgium on Friday.

A 26-year-old was also apprehended at the airport the following day, when he returned from the Netherlands.

Both have been released on bail until December 1.

The recording was taken as West Ham fans journeyed to Belgium to watch their side play Genk in the Europa League.

The incident took place while at Stansted Airport. Stock picture
The incident took place while at Stansted Airport. Stock picture

And the arrests on suspicion of a public order offence and racially or religiously aggravated harassment have prompted the Premier League club to promise to issue indefinite bans to any of the individuals identified.

A West Ham spokesman said: "We are appalled by the contents of the video circulating on social media and condemn the behaviour of the individuals involved.

"We continue to be unequivocal in our stance: we have a zero-tolerance approach to any form of discrimination.

"Any individuals identified will be issued with an indefinite ban from the club.

"Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of the football club and we do not welcome any individuals who do not share those values."

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