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Tottenham Hotspur fans arrested for chanting 'Yid' have charges dropped Tottenham Hotspur fans arrested for chanting 'Yid' have charges dropped
(about 1 month later)
Charges have been dropped against three Tottenham Hotspur fans who were facing prosecution for chanting the offensive term "Yid".Charges have been dropped against three Tottenham Hotspur fans who were facing prosecution for chanting the offensive term "Yid".
Gary Whybrow, 31, Sam Parsons, 24, and Peter Ditchman, 52, appeared before magistrates after allegedly using the language on match days last autumn.Gary Whybrow, 31, Sam Parsons, 24, and Peter Ditchman, 52, appeared before magistrates after allegedly using the language on match days last autumn.
The Crown Prosecution Service said the words could not legally be considered "threatening, abusive or insulting" in the circumstances.The Crown Prosecution Service said the words could not legally be considered "threatening, abusive or insulting" in the circumstances.
Baljit Ubhey, from the CPS, said: "In accordance with our duty to keep all cases under review we have conducted a senior level review of this case. "In considering whether a criminal offence could be proved, we have to look objectively at the words used, and the context in which they were used.Baljit Ubhey, from the CPS, said: "In accordance with our duty to keep all cases under review we have conducted a senior level review of this case. "In considering whether a criminal offence could be proved, we have to look objectively at the words used, and the context in which they were used.
"We have decided that, although the same words used in other contexts could in theory satisfy the criteria for 'threatening, abusive or insulting', it is unlikely that a court would find that they were in the context of the three particular cases in question."We have decided that, although the same words used in other contexts could in theory satisfy the criteria for 'threatening, abusive or insulting', it is unlikely that a court would find that they were in the context of the three particular cases in question.
"We have therefore concluded that there is insufficient evidence for a realistic prospect of conviction. This decision has no bearing on any other cases that may be brought to our attention and all cases will be considered on their own facts and merits.""We have therefore concluded that there is insufficient evidence for a realistic prospect of conviction. This decision has no bearing on any other cases that may be brought to our attention and all cases will be considered on their own facts and merits."
The three men were accused of a public order offence for using the term, which is widely considered to be anti-semetic. Whybrow, from west London, and Parsons, from Amersham, Buckinghamshire, were charged after going to Tottenham Hotspur v FC Sheriff on 7 November. Ditchman, from Bishop's Stortford, Hertforshire, allegedly used the language at Spurs v West Ham on 6 October.The three men were accused of a public order offence for using the term, which is widely considered to be anti-semetic. Whybrow, from west London, and Parsons, from Amersham, Buckinghamshire, were charged after going to Tottenham Hotspur v FC Sheriff on 7 November. Ditchman, from Bishop's Stortford, Hertforshire, allegedly used the language at Spurs v West Ham on 6 October.
Police had previously warned football fans not to use the term, which is often used to refer to Tottenham Hotspur fans.Police had previously warned football fans not to use the term, which is often used to refer to Tottenham Hotspur fans.
For years Tottenham, who have a strong Jewish following, have been on the receiving end of anti-Semitic abuse from opposition fans. For years Tottenham, who have a strong Jewish following, have been on the receiving end of antiic abuse from opposition fans.
Some fans started using the word "Yid" to describe themselves, and chants of "Yids", "Yid Army" and "Yiddos" are now regularly sung in the home stands at White Hart Lane.Some fans started using the word "Yid" to describe themselves, and chants of "Yids", "Yid Army" and "Yiddos" are now regularly sung in the home stands at White Hart Lane.
David Cameron has said he does not think Spurs fans should be charged for using the term, because it was not "motivated by hate".David Cameron has said he does not think Spurs fans should be charged for using the term, because it was not "motivated by hate".