• ‘The Y-word’ is threatening, abusive or insulting, say police
• Club adopts zero tolerance position after asking 11,500 fans

Tottenham Hotspur have once again reminded their supporters to be mindful of their language after three fans were charged in connection with using the word “yid” at matches.

The men are all accused of using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour, or disorderly behaviour, within the hearing or sight of a person likely to be caused harassment, alarm or distress.

A statement the Spurs website on Wednesday evening read: “The club has been in regular contact with the Metropolitan police and our lawyers since the arrest of fans for use of the Y-word and, as reported yesterday (21 January 2014), three supporters have been charged and will appear in court next month.

“The club conducted sentiment research on the use of the Y word amongst our supporters during October last year. We received 11,500 responses and should like to thank fans for the many well-considered and sincere expressions of views. We have spent time ensuring that each and every response was read by the team of personnel dealing with this issue at the club.

“The club took the decision, with legal advice, not to issue the findings of the research whilst the cases against our fans were progressing so as not to prejudice the proceedings in any way and, in light of yesterday’s developments, this remains the position.

“We shall continue to monitor these cases as they proceed.

“At this point in time, whilst we believe that our fans do not use the word with any deliberate intent to offend, we would once again remind our fans that the Metropolitan police has stated that the use of the word can be considered a criminal offence on the basis that it can cause offence and we would ask that supporters are mindful of their use of the word.”

The club went on to stress their stance on maintaining a “zero tolerance position on antisemitic abuse”.

Gary Whybrow, 31, Sam Parsons, 24, and Peter Ditchman, 52, are due to appear before magistrates on 4 February accused of using threatening, abusive or insulting words.

Whybrow, from west London, and Parsons, from Amersham, Buckinghamshire, are accused of the offence during the Europa League game against FC Sheriff on 7 November, while Ditchman, from Bishop’s Stortford, allegedly used bad language in the Premier League game against West Ham on 6 October.

Police have repeatedly warned fans not to use the word “yid” in recent months, and have also made arrests over various antisemitic tweets aimed at Spurs fans.

• Tottenham Hotspur
• Race issues

theguardian.com