Leeds condemn Manor Solomon chant, pledge to ban supporters who sing it

New York Times

14-02-2025

Leeds United have condemned a chant about Manor Solomon that contains an anti-Palestinian lyric and have pledged to ban any supporters who continue to sing it.
Israel international Solomon, who is on a season-long loan from Tottenham Hotspur, has become a fan favourite for his performances in recent weeks but a song sung in the stands about him includes discriminatory language the club want to stamp out.
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In a statement issued on Friday, the Championship leaders criticised the increased prominence of the chant, at both home and away matches, that has followed their initial condemnation of it through the media.
The statement says: 'Leeds United again condemn the football chant containing an anti-Palestine lyric aimed at Manor Solomon, having already done so through comment to local and national media outlets in December.
'Hate crime and discriminatory language or chanting is not acceptable at Leeds United and the club has a zero-tolerance policy towards discrimination abuse of all kinds.
'The club has received a large number of complaints from Leeds United supporters regarding the chant and had hoped the initial strategy of condemning it through the media and working with supporter groups, would prevent this from happening in the future, but it has sadly become more prominent in recent matches, including at Elland Road.'
The club has gone as far as specifying which sections of the stadium have been identified as the source of the chant. Increased CCTV surveillance and stewarding will be used in the Norman Hunter Stand to tackle the problem.
The statement continues: 'After monitoring the situation at recent home games, the origins of the chant at Elland Road appear to come from the Norman Hunter South Stand, particularly in blocks FA5, FA6, SS5, SS6.
'As a result, there will be an increased CCTV surveillance and stewarding presence in FA5, FA6, SS5 and SS6 at all home games between now and the end of the season and action will be taken against any person who participates in the chant, including the issuing of a club banning order.
'Discriminatory language can be reported by contacting your nearest steward or discreetly via the matchday incident text service by texting LEEDS and your message to 60006.
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'Given what is at stake for the club in the weeks ahead, this is a time we need the fanbase to be united, not divided. Thank you for your co-operation.'
Leeds sit top of the Championship table, two points clear of Sheffield United, with 14 games of the season to go. They next face fellow promotion hopefuls Sunderland on Monday.
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