Chelsea have adopted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance s (IHRA) definition of anti-Semitism and the organisation s executive secretary hopes other football clubs follow suit.
The decision comes as part of Chelsea s Say No to anti-Semitism campaign, which was launched in January 2018, and follows the official presentation of a commemorative mural of Jewish footballers and British prisoners of war on a wall outside Stamford Bridge s West Stand on Wednesday.
The IHRA definition is: Anti-Semitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities.
Chelsea accused a section of their fans of anti-Semitic chanting during a Europa League game at Vidi in December 2018, although the club received no punishment from UEFA.
IHRA executive secretary Kathrin Meyer praised the club s work on discrimination against Jews and hopes they prove to be trailblazers in football.
This definition is a tool to raise awareness and be informed to fight anti-Semitism, said Meyer at a news conference at Chelsea s Cobham training ground.
It couldn t be more urgent. Anti-Semitism kills people, not just in football, and attacks our societies. The step Chelsea are taking with this and the Say No to anti-Semitism campaign is huge.
I hope other clubs follow, it needs to be a bottom-up effort. We wish Chelsea all the best of luck with their endeavours.
Chelsea chairman Bruce Buck said: All our players have been involved in our efforts. This week we unveiled a mural on the West Stand at Stamford Bridge.
Adopting this definition is a big moment for this club. It brings clarity to the whole subject of what is anti-Semitic. Everyone will be fully aware of the definition. It s been adopted by around 35 countries and British Police.
We know it s a long battle … this is a problem that has existed for a long time, the Holocaust is something we have to make sure never happens again. We all have to work at this.
In 2017 there were a number of anti-Semitic incidents around the world. It came around, and we wanted to do something about it.
Chelsea head coach Frank Lampard added: I think it s an important statement, we hope it makes an impact, that s the whole point.
In simple terms as manager of the football club, I am proud that the club takes such a strong stance against any form of discrimination and we ll be active in that going forward, which I think today shows.
Words are one thing but actions are another, and we ll always be very strong on that and will continue to be so.
