West Ham face investigation over anti-Semitic chants

LONDON, Mar 6 (Reuters) West Ham United face a police and FA investigation after a video was released showing some of their fans singing anti-Semitic songs at Sunday's Premier League match against Tottenham Hotspur.

According to media reports today, the video, which was aired on the YouTube Web site and later withdrawn, showed a group of West Ham fans singing a song referring to Tottenham's large Jewish fanbase.

''We take this very seriously and we expect anybody identified on the video to be dealt with harshly by the club,'' an FA spokesman said today.

''We will be contacting West Ham to hear their version of events. We will make it very clear that we want no repeat of this kind of thing.'' The Metropolitan Police also confirmed that they were investigating allegations of racism after receiving complaints following the London derby which Tottenham won 4-3.

''Officers from the public order football unit are investigating a complaint of an anti-Semitic video being shown on an internet site,'' a police spokeswoman said.

''The film appeared to have been made at the West Ham versus Spurs match on Sunday. We contacted the Web site and requested the removal of the film.'' West Ham said they were aware of the video and were taking steps to identify the perpetrators.

''Following video evidence of spectators chanting racist abuse during our Premiership match against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, West Ham United would like to make it clear that we are taking the matter very seriously,'' a club statement read.

''We are a leading campaigner in the Kick Racism Out of Football campaign and will not tolerate racist behaviour of any kind at Upton Park.

''We will investigate this matter fully, attempt to identify the perpetrators and take the appropriate action.'' REUTERS PDS KP2210