Chelsea launch campaign to tackle antisemitism

Wednesday 31 Jan 2018
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Chelsea Football Club have announced a new campaign to raise awareness of and educate their players, staff, fans and the wider community about antisemitism in football.

The long-term initiative launched officially on 31 January at their Premier League game against Bournemouth and forms part of the club’s on-going inclusion work, through the Chelsea Foundation’s Building Bridges campaign. The initiative is supported by the club’s owner, Roman Abramovich.

Through the campaign, Chelsea will be working with organisations and individuals at home and abroad, including Kick It Out, the Holocaust Educational Trust, the Jewish Museum, the Community Security Trust, the World Jewish Congress, the Anne Frank House and Maccabi GB.

The club have also established a steering committee of leading experts who are supporting in the development of the campaign. The committee is led by Chelsea Chairman Bruce Buck, and includes:

  • Ronald Lauder, President, World Jewish Congress
  • Malcolm Hoenlein, Executive Vice-Chairman, Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations
  • Robert Singer, CEO and Executive Vice-President, World Jewish Congress
  • Cecilia Wikström, Member of European Parliament, Vice-Chair of the Parliament’s Working Group Against Antisemitism
  • Karen Pollock, Chief Executive, Holocaust Educational Trust
  • Abigail Morris, Chief Executive, Jewish Museum London
  • Dave Rich, Head of Policy, Community Security Trust
  • Jonathan Greenblatt, National Director and CEO, Anti-Defamation League
  • Lord Peter Levene, Lord Mayor of London 1998-1999

Through working with a range of partners, Chelsea will be taking a lead on raising awareness of antisemitism and its impact on the Jewish community and society as a whole, demonstrating that the club is welcoming to all.

As part of this work, the Chelsea Foundation’s equality and diversity workshops in primary schools will be extended to talk specifically about Jewish faith and culture. Following a proposal raised at the club Fans’ Forum, Chelsea will launch an education programme for supporters banned for antisemitic behaviour, as well as helping them to understand the impact of their actions, with participation in the course potentially leading to a reduction in the length of their ban.

Additional activities taking place throughout the year will also include educational visits to former concentration camps for staff, fans and stewards, an exhibition at the Chelsea Museum on football and British Jews and screenings of Liga Terezin – a documentary about a football league run from a concentration camp during the Holocaust. The club will also welcome Holocaust survivor, Harry Spiro, to Chelsea to share his story.

The World Jewish Congress today gave their backing to the campaign. Robert Singer, CEO and Executive Vice-President, said:

“The World Jewish Congress deeply appreciates the comprehensive efforts being made by Chelsea Football Club to raise awareness of the dangerous manifestations of antisemitism and racism in sport. The value of one of the most prominent sports clubs in the world vigorously leading the charge in addressing this crucial issue cannot be overstated.”

Karen Pollock MBE, Chief Executive of the Holocaust Educational Trust said:

“Sadly antisemitism remains a serious issue in our society. Every effort made to fight it should be applauded and welcomed, and we are delighted and proud to be working with Chelsea Football Club to ‘say no to antisemitism’. Hearing from a survivor, learning about the Holocaust, and understanding what language constitutes hate speech, all contribute to a better understanding and greater awareness of what antisemitism is and how to combat it. Through this initiative Chelsea are making a real commitment in fighting this issue within the game and the wider community.”

To download the resources produced by the club, in partnership with Community Security Trust, click here for the brochure and here for the small pocket guide.

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"We have a responsibility as players to give something back and I’m really thankful to be part of this organisation because we can do a lot of good."
Jack Butland, 'Next 20' Ambassador
“A big part of my involvement with Kick It Out stems from my strong admiration for the organisation’s commitment to fairness and equality.”
Clive Tyldesley, football commentator
“It was Kick It Out that convinced the people in football that change was possible.”
Greg Dyke, former FA chairman
“I wanted to thank the campaigners at Kick It Out for their work. I know first-hand how Kick It Out can help.”
Yaya Toure, Manchester City midfielder
“It is important for me in my role as a Kick It Out ‘Next 20’ ambassador to teach young people how to handle discrimination and treat people with respect.”
Romelu Lukaku, 'Next 20' Ambassador
“It is a massive honour for me to be an ambassador for such a great organisation. I think they do great work on and off the field.”
Toni Duggan, 'Next 20' Ambassador
"It really helped me to see that other professional sports people were acknowledging their sexuality. I read about John Amaechi, Gareth Thomas and Tom Daley. They weren't footballers but the fact that they went public gave me the feeling that I was not alone."
Thomas Hitzlsperger, former Aston Villa midfielder
"There was no conflict between religion and the fact that I wanted to play football. I was brought up correctly and in the right way and my parents are very proud of the fact that I am a professional footballer."
Sadio Mané, Liverpool winger
“I think it’s important to share success stories and realise that there are women operating in the game. If it’s something you want to do, you can do it.”
Ffion Eade, Hampshire FA referee
"I've had loads of negative comments from men, especially growing up. It's just boring and old. Times have changed, and they continue to change. Women play football, and they're good at it, and have been for a number of years.”
Kelly Smith, England Women's record goalscorer
"Despite the progress, stereotypes still exist in football and until that is broken down it will be extremely difficult for a woman to manage a top level men's team."
Rachel Yankey, former Arsenal Ladies forward
"There’s no hiding that there is sexism in sport. We have a lack of women right across all levels of management, playing and coaching. It shows the closed nature of sport in general and this includes the media. It’s an indictment of sport as a whole."
Rimla Akhtar, Kick It Out trustee and Chair of the Muslim Women’s Sports Foundation
“I’m proud to be a supporter of Kick It Out and particularly the work they are doing to combat antisemitism within football.”
Joe Jacobson, Wycombe Wanderers midfielder
"With Kick It Out leading the way football is standing up and fighting against those who preach hatred and intolerance and we at Chelsea are proud to support their work."
Bruce Buck, Chelsea Football Club Chairman

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