In a recent statement issued to this newspaper, Jonathan Metliss, Chairman of Action Against Discrimination (AAD) said: “ AAD applauds the conviction and sentencing of Arsenal supporter Daniel Down for his chanting of “ Hitler should have finished the job” at a Tottenham v Arsenal game but regrets that the banning order is only for a period of three years. Zero tolerance is the only answer to this behaviour which sadly has been commonplace for years. Perhaps the existence of the new Jewish Gooners Group will help to prevent a recurrence of this behaviour.
"AAD still regrets the failure of the Crown Prosecution Service to charge and prosecute the four West Ham supporters for abusing a chassidic man on a flight to a game in Belgium, so this is a step in the right direction.
"This behaviour and language by Down merely confirms that AAD’s campaign to eradicate the use of the “ Y” word by Tottenham supporters including the expressions "Being a Yid “ , “ Yid Army “ , “ Yiddo” and “ Yid” is correct and justifiable. These words provoke and encourage anti-semetic responses and behaviour from opposing fans who exploit these expressions to express their anti semitism.
"In summary, this sentencing is encouraging and should be taken on board by all relevant football authorities, clubs, supporter groups and politicians . This behaviour is totally unacceptable and will not be tolerated."
