More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
A Kent man has been arrested after West Ham fans flying to a match bellowed an anti-Semitic song at an Orthodox Jewish passenger.
This comes after a clip showing a group of supporters directing a vile chant at the victim on a Ryanair plane at Stansted Airport was shared online.
Following the incident on Thursday, a 31-year-old man from Dartford was arrested as he voluntarily attended a police station today.
He is the third man to have been detained in connection with the song.
Essex Police Chief Supt Tom Simons, who is leading the investigation, said: “We will not tolerate racism or discrimination of any kind.
"Having been made aware of the incident, officers worked quickly to secure an arrest at the earliest possible opportunity.”
The chanting was filmed while passengers were taking their seats on the aircraft last week.
'We are appalled by the contents of the video circulating on social media and condemn the behaviour of the individuals involved.'
In the clip, fans can be heard singing about arch rivals Tottenham, referencing genitalia and circumcision, while an Orthodox Jewish man walks down the aisle.
The first arrest was made at Stansted as a man, 55, stepped off a flight from Belgium on Friday.
A 26-year-old was apprehended at the airport the following day, when he returned from the Netherlands.
Both have been released on bail until December 1.
The recording was taken as West Ham fans journeyed to Belgium to watch their side play Genk in the Europa League.
And the arrests on suspicion of a public order offence and racially or religiously aggravated harassment have prompted the Premier League club to promise to issue indefinite bans to any of the individuals identified.
A West Ham spokesman said: “We are appalled by the contents of the video circulating on social media and condemn the behaviour of the individuals involved.
“We continue to be unequivocal in our stance: we have a zero-tolerance approach to any form of discrimination.
"Any individuals identified will be issued with an indefinite ban from the club.
"Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of the football club and we do not welcome any individuals who do not share those values.”
Detectives are urging anyone with information or phone footage of the incident to call them on 101.
To get the latest updates in ongoing cases, police appeals and criminals put behind bars, click here
