West Ham issue statement regarding 'abusive chanting' at White Hart Lane
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West Ham have issued a statement saying they will take action against any supporters 'found guilty of inappropriate chanting' during Sunday's match against Tottenham at White Hart Lane.
The club are responding to complaints made against Hammers' fans who were accused of singing anti-semitic chants at the Premier League match.
And the Upton Park club have said they would ban all fans 'found guilty of inappropriate chanting', following the decision by the FA to investigate complaints made against the East London side's followers.
The governing body will speak to the Metropolitan Police as well as both clubs, and will also review reports submitted by match officials.
Among the abusive chants reportedly heard include 'Viva Lazio', which was a reference to physical attacks on a number of Tottenham supporters during their recent visit to Rome.
One Spurs fan was taken to hospital with serious injuries in Italy after being stabbed.
In anti-semitic chanting, Hammers fans appeared to mock the gassing of Jews during the Holocaust of World War Two, while also singing 'Can we stab you every week?' as well as mentioning the name 'Adolf Hitler'.
And now a statement on the West Ham club website reads: "We are in contact with Tottenham to assist them with their investigation into the conduct of a small number of supporters and alleged inappropriate chanting during the match.
"We will take the strongest possible action against any of the supporters, including enforcing life bans from the club, if found guilty of behaviour which is categorically not condoned by West Ham United.
"During 46 games in the Championship last season, West Ham had zero arrests for racism or violence, so while we are surprised to see such reports, we will examine any available evidence of such conduct thoroughly and take the appropriate action."
Source : http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11675/8285419/West-Ham-issue-statement-pledging-strong-action-over-chanting