Tottenham Hotspurs, who have strong bonds with Jewish community in London, may be more comfortable in Jaffa, Israel, where they play Hapoel Tel Aviv than they usually are in most Premiership venues as anti-Jewish waves stormed the competition recently. Hatred chants are shouted against Jews during local games and often aimed at Tottenham players even if they are not taking part, The Observer said. "We've got Cesc Fabregas, you yids are afraid of gas," was a repeated chant by Arsenal supporters during the North London derby, staged at the White Hart Lane. Southend fans also referred to concentration camps when they played Tottenham earlier in 2007, making the Nazi salute and hissing sounds of gas chambers. Jews say that some six millions of them were killed by the Nazi regime during World War Two. Tottenham, whom Egypt midfielder Hossam Ghaly plays for, demanded action from the FA over "this complex issue," as described by a club spokesman. "People do not understand that it's offensive to call someone an 'effing Yid', or to hiss. They think it's funny," said FA director of corporate affairs Simon Johnson. "Our challenge is to make it a taboo - and I accept we've got some catching up to do."
Grant Booed Grant Similar incidents have been hitting Chelsea as well after the Blues appointed former Israel coach Avram Grant as their manager, succeeding the popular Jose Mourinho. Arrogant yet fans-favorite, Mourinho led the London side to two consecutive Premiership titles and has shockingly left the club after the start of the season. Reports said that Grant's presence in the club was a reason, among others, of Mourinho's departure. "We'd rather have Mourinho than a Jew," chanted Chelsea fans during a goalless draw with Fulham. Then a devoted supporter appeared on the club's TV channel wondering why they would appoint a manager who refuses to work on Yom Kippur. Chelsea chairman Bruce Buck insisted that the fans behavior was unacceptable. "This is one thing we will not tolerate, whether in written correspondence, on the chat pages, on posters or banners, or through singing and chanting," said Buck.
