October 18 – Renowned Spanish newspaper Marca has backtracked after publishing an article suggesting that Tottenham Hotspur are hated by rivals fans, not least those of Chelsea and West Ham, because of its “Jewish heritage”.
The article was published ahead of Spurs’ Champions League visit to Real Madrid and described the north London club as “hated, but with good footballing style”.
Tottenham have frequently been targeted with anti-Semitic chants, including by Chelsea fans, but upon learning the article a Tottenham spokesman said: “We are astonished that a publication such as Marca, which presents itself as an alleged source of professional journalism, has seen fit to publish such an article which is blatantly wrong and wholly distasteful.”
Marca subsequently claimed that the exact meaning of the word “hated” had been lost in translation and issued a partial apology for the offence caused, nevertheless still pointing the finger at Chelsea and West Ham.
“It has generated controversy in England because of a mis-translation of the term ‘hated’, which also featured in the copy,” a statement released by the newspaper said.
“The ‘hatred’ that Tottenham suffers is very focused on the radical and racist groups that are hiding in society, especially among the fans of Chelsea and West Ham. Obviously, these groups do not represent the English game or society.
“We regret the confusion that has been created in this respect. The intention was not to damage the image of Tottenham – a club we respect, value and admire. We do not want to serve as a mouthpiece for these racist minorities, which remain within football and which use any pretext to spread their messages of hate, which we reject head-on.”
Chelsea also released a statement saying: “We know that the vast majority of our fans share the club’s view that racism is both abhorrent and deplorable and will not be tolerated.”
“It is a great shame a media publication such as Marca should choose to make such wide-ranging, inaccurate and appalling accusations.”
A West Ham spokesperson added: “We are shocked and disappointed by the comments made by Marca in relation to Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham United and Chelsea. There is no place in sport for discrimination of any kind. Marca’s accusations are unfounded, offensive and wildly inaccurate.”
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