A British soccer team is under investigation for antisemitic abuse after some of its fans allegedly shouted a Hitler chant and gave the Nazi salute during a Premier League match on Sunday.
In the video above, several fans of West Ham United appear to be giving the salute during the team's 3-1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur. In addition, The Guardian's Jacob Steinberg reports that fans were also heard hissing to mimic the sound of gas chambers while singing "You're getting gassed in the morning," "Adolf Hitler, he's coming for you," and "Viva Lazio," a reference to Thursday's brutal stabbing of Spurs fan Ashley Mills by Lazio supporters in Rome.
West Ham fans were quick to denounce the vile actions of their peers on Twitter:
I am sorry, but I have just heard that West Ham fans are singing 'viva Lazio.' That is a disgrace. Life is worth more than football! #Idiots
— We love you West Ham (@WeLoveYouWHU) November 25, 2012
Unfortunately, this isn't the first time West Ham fans have directed anti-semitism toward Tottenham, a club that the BBC notes has long had ties to north London's Jewish community. Back in 2007, The Guardian reported on a group of West Ham supporters being investigated for shouting racist slogans such as "I'd rather be a Paki than a Jew."
According to a statement released on West Ham's official website, five supporters -- including a season ticket holder who has since been banned by the club -- have been arrested following Sunday's incident. The team promises "a similar swift and robust response" for any other fans identified.
The Board of Deputies of British Jews also condemned the incident, urging the Football Association to forcefully punish those involved.
"Antisemitism has no place in football or society in general," the statement reads. "For football fans to use Holocaust imagery and chants glorifying Adolf Hitler is grossly offensive to the Jewish community and is a stain upon the character of British football."
UPDATE 4:56 p.m. 11/26: West Ham midfielder Yossi Benayoun, an Israeli player in his second stint with the East London club, tweeted about his relationship with the club and feeling embarrassed by recent events.
