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Five Premier League clubs join Chelsea in fight against anti-Semitism by adopting IHRA definition

Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Commemorative Mural artist Solomon Souza and Cezar Azpilicueta as Chelsea launch their drive against anti-Semitism - Chelsea FC
Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Commemorative Mural artist Solomon Souza and Cezar Azpilicueta as Chelsea launch their drive against anti-Semitism - Chelsea FC

Five Premier League clubs have joined Chelsea in their fight against anti-Semitism by adopting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of the abuse.

West Ham United, Crystal Palace, Bournemouth, Burnley and Brighton have all pledged to officially use the definition in their working practices, with Arsenal and Everton also looking into signing up.

Ahead of Monday’s Holocaust Remembrance Day and the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, Telegraph Sport asked every Premier League club whether or not they will follow Chelsea in adopting the IHRA definition which is already used by government and the police.

West Ham, who, like Chelsea, have had to deal with instances of anti-Semitism among their own supporters, were the first Premier League club to join the Blues in adopting the IHRA definition.

A West Ham spokesperson said: “West Ham is proud to adopt the IHRA definition and we will be marking Holocaust Memorial Day prior to our fixture against Liverpool on Wednesday. West Ham is unequivocal in its stance and has always taken a zero tolerance policy to any form of discrimination.”

Tottenham, who have come under renewed pressure to tell their supporters to stop using the Y-word, are one of a number of clubs yet to sign up to the IHRA terms. They currently work within the Kick It Out guidelines on discrimination, which they believe adopts the IHRA definition.

Artist Solomon Souza paints the Holocaust Commemorative Mural  - Credit: Getty Images
A mural at Stamford Bridge depicts three players who lost their lives in the Holocaust Credit: Getty Images

Manchester United and Manchester City have no immediate plans to use the IHRA definition, but United have recently worked with the Holocaust Educational Trust.

Burnley plan to adopt the IHRA definition and echoed the call for all Premier League clubs to follow Chelsea’s lead on anti-Semitism. A spokesperson said: “For the club, we will need to go into the details and discuss with/agree with our equality, inclusive and advisory group but in principle we will join this alliance. Chelsea Football Club is leading the way with any anti-Semitic work and the remainder of the Premier League clubs must join them.”

The Football Association have not adopted the IHRA definition, but do claim to refer to it when investigating any offence that could be considered to be anti-Semitic.

An FA spokseperson said: “We fully support any club which tackles anti-Semitism and anti-Jewish abuse proactively. We continue to work closely with the police and other relevant authorities to combat all forms of discrimination in football and encourage all fans and participants who believe that they have been the subject of, or witness to, discriminatory abuse to report this through the appropriate channels: The FA, our County FA network or via our partners at Kick It Out.”