Arsenal liaising with police over antisemitic messages in Ashburton Army fan group

Arsenal are liaising with the police over antisemitic posts sent in the WhatsApp group of the Ashburton Army, a prominent fan organisation to which the club give assistance.

The messages on which a date is visible were sent in 2019 and are largely Holocaust-focused, though they also take in Israel-Palestine conspiracy theories,Jewish practice related to circumcision and Tottenham’s reputation as a Jewish club. The sentiments are communicated in words, songs, memes and cartoons.

The Guardian has seen dozens of harrowing messages, some targeting all Jews and others directed at one Jewish supporter who was part of the group but has since left. In none of those screenshots did an administrator delete the offending posts, remonstrate with the perpetrators or remove those responsible from the group.

It is understoodArsenal were made aware of the messages around the time they were sent but, after asking their principal target for his thoughts and encouraging a formal complaint, they opted to honour his wishes by not taking any further action. Instead, they warned representatives of the group about its future conduct.

“We are aware of the historic messages on a private WhatsApp group,” Arsenal told the Guardian, “and we strongly condemn the abusive and discriminatory language being used. We are liaising with the police on the matter.

“Our ongoing action shows that abusive and discriminatory behaviour will not be tolerated at Arsenal. We recentlyannounced that 31 members and season-ticket holders have been banned for abusive and discriminatory behaviour since the start of the 2021-22 season. The bans are the result of behaviour online (18) and in the stadium (13). Five of the 31 sanctions are for antisemitism.”

The Metropolitan