News in 2006

07th September 2006

Chelsea backs MPs call to combat anti-semitism

Chelsea Football Club has today supported an influential panel of Members of Parliament from across the major political parties in calling for action to tackle anti-semitism in the UK.

The group, chaired by Labour's Rt. Hon. Dr. Denis McShane and featuring prominent MPs such as former Conservative Leader Rt. Hon. Iain Duncan Smith and Liberal Democrat Chris Huhne found that anti-semitism is still a significant and growing problem in many parts of British society.

Commenting on the report Rt. Hon. Dr. Denis McShane MP, explained:

"The disturbing rise in anti-semitism uncovered by the Panel has caused increased anxiety and vulnerability within the Jewish Community. Acts of violence and abuse towards Jews are an affront to any modern society.

They must be dealt with swiftly and severely wherever they occur. But, the most worrying discovery of this Inquiry is that anti-Jewish sentiment is entering the mainstream, appearing in the everyday conversations of people who consider themselves neither racist nor prejudiced.

"All forms of anti-semitism are racism and should be treated as such. This behaviour is driven by ignorance and complacency and allowing it to continue is not just a problem for the Jewish community but society as a whole.

Peter Kenyon, Chief Executive of Chelsea FC added:

"Chelsea Football Club condemns discrimination in all forms and is committed to stamping out anti-semitism as part of our ongoing work to tackle racism."

"In particular Chelsea FC has recently worked closely with the Football Association, Kick Racism Out of Football and the leading Jewish organisation Maccabi GB to raise awareness on this issue."

"There is no room for racism in football and we support the work of those who seek to eliminate it from our sport and society as a whole."