Arsenal has given the green light to a new affiliate called Jewish Gooners, partly in response to antisemitism among fans.
The announcement comes as the club said it was banning five members for three years over incidents involving Jew-hate that took place online or inside the Emirates Stadium.
The exclusions come on top of 31 other exclusions for abusive and discriminatory behaviour including death threats, homophobia, ableism and other forms of racism.
The aim of the group will be to both prevent antisemitism and to help foster a more “inclusive” environment for Jews. It follows the successful introduction of a Gay Gooners group.
Plans to set up the Jewish Gooners group were given new momentum after Jewish Arsenal fan Katie Price was subjected to horrific antisemitic abuse at the Arsenal favourite the Cally Pub.
Following the incident, groups of Jewish Arsenal supporters banded together to demand the club did more to educate its fans about antisemitism. Within a few days, Arsenal agreed to setting up the Jewish Gooners group. Both the CST and antisemitism czar Lord John Mann are already involved in the group, which aims to celebrate as well as educate.
Jewish Gooners will be officially launched with a party at the Emirates Stadium on May 14 after the team’s home game against Brighton.
