Football followers warned to cease singing chant about Israeli star ‘hating Palestine’
Football fans have been warned they must stop singing an “offensive and divisive” chant about an Israeli star “hating Palestine” as the club have issued a strong statement
West Ham have called on supporters to stop singing Manor Solomon’s chant
West Ham fans have been warned to stop singing an ‘offensive and divisive’ chant about their new Israeli star Manor Solomon.
The forward joined West Ham this summer following their relegation to the Championship and Hammers fans were heard singing a chant related to the 27-year-old during last Sunday’s 2-2 draw against Burnley at Turf Moor.
West Ham issued a statement urging fans to stop singing the chant that says ‘Manor Solomon is on my mind and he hates Palestine’ to the tune of the hit 1963 song ‘Do Wah Diddy Diddy’ made famous around the world by British band Manfred Mann.
Solomon scored on his West Ham debut
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The east London club said before their first home match of the season against Charlton on Saturday that they want to “remind supporters of the responsibility we all hold to represent the club in the right way.” And added that “each and every supporter is an ambassador”.
The statement added: “Regardless of their background, every supporter within our diverse fanbase should also be free to enjoy watching their team play football without fear, discrimination or abuse. And we remain committed to ensuring that everyone feels safe, respected and included.
“We understand that singing and chanting is a traditional and deeply embedded part of the matchday experience.
“We encourage our supporters to sing loud and proud about their football club and the players wearing the claret and blue shirt – but never in a way that creates division or causes offence among fellow fans.”
The forward has been capped 49 times by Israel
“Equality, equity, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of the club and we believe in the power of football to unite and bring people together.
“We expect those who represent the club – be that players, staff, officials or supporters – to share those values and ensure that, regardless of individual backgrounds or beliefs, we are as our name says: United.
“Let’s make sure our support is something to be proud of, and the envy of all who face us.”
The chant reportedly does not fall under the Metropolitan Police’s threshold for tragedy chanting and the FA are also unlikely to take action.
Solomon, a 49-time Israel international, won three titles during his time in Ukraine with Shakhtar Donetsk after leaving Israel, where he played three years at Maccabi Petah Tikva.
Solomon joined Fulham on loan for the second half of the 2022/23 season before Tottenham signed him permanently as a free agent. However, he played just six times for Spurs and spent time on loan at Leeds, Villarreal and Fiorentina.
