Leeds pledge action over chant
Leeds United will introduce additional surveillance at Elland Road and have threatened to ban fans who participate in a chant aimed at Israel international Manor Solomon which contains an anti-Palestine lyric.A club statement said:, external "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 [in December] 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."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 and 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."The statement added: "Given what is at stake for the club in the weeks ahead, this is a time we need the fan base to be united, not divided."
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The Independent
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