West Ham manager David Moyes has condemned the anti-Semitic chanting that was reported in the build-up to the Genk Europa League game on Thursday. The incident itself was filmed on a plane to Belgium with a section of fans targeting a Jewish man. The events were recorded and posted to social media, with West Ham releasing a statement on the matter.
West Ham said: “West Ham are appalled by the contents of the video circulating on social media and condemn the behaviour of the individuals involved,” the club spokesperson said.
They added they are “liaising with the airline and relevant authorities to identify the individuals”.
West Ham continued: “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.”
In his pre-match Liverpool press conference, Moyes himself was not shy to reaffirm the club’s position on this unwelcoming situation.
David Moyes said: “First and foremost I do not see our football club being like that. I think we are a diverse football club and there is no room for any discrimination anywhere in the world – not just at West Ham but anywhere in the world. I am really disappointed to hear about it but I am sure it is individuals and not big sections of the supporters and I am just sorry to hear about it.”
Moyes then went to react to the news that the club themselves are going to ban the fans that were involved in this shameful incident and it’s safe to say, that the manager is fully supportive and in favour of what the Hammers are going to do from now on regarding this situation.
David Moyes said: “Of course I would yeah because I don’t think there should be any racism in any part of the world and at West Ham Football Club we have to do our part to make sure that happens as well,”
He then finally added on the situation at hand
David Moyes said: “I want this football club to be recognised for being a really good footballing team, I want it to be recognised for being a big club in London and well respected and I think to have that you have to have supporters who follow your team home and away which we have. We have incredible support at West Ham but we do not want any labels connected to us whatsoever regarding discrimination, racism none of that at all. As I said and I am repeating myself I really feel the world has moved on and we want to move on from it.”
