The Belgian Federation of Jewish Organisations (CCOJB) has written to the management of Bruges FC football club, to ask them to make sure anti-Semitic chants are not used on the stands. This is in preparation for Sunday’s match against Anderlecht, RTBF reported on Friday.
Some Bruges supporters have started chanting “Al wie niet spring is een jood” (who doesn’t jump is a Jew) during Bruges – Anderlecht matches. RTBF explained that in this context, the “Jew” is the Anderlecht player.
The CCOJB told the paper that calling the enemy a “Jew” is very common in football stadiums. It also referred to previous instances in England’s Premier League, such as when Chelsea supporters insulted Tottenham supporters. Photos of Anne Frank were also handed around in the stands of Lazio stadium in Rome.
“The CCOJB is continually trying to fight anti-Semitism, including in football stadiums. We regularly talk to clubs and federations about anti-Semitic chants and how they are dealt with during matches. This Sunday’s match will be followed very closely”, Yohan Benizri, the President of the CCOJB, told RTBF.
(Source: Belga)
