Spurs, Arsenal condemn abusive fans

Tottenham and Arsenal have released a joint statement condemning the abusive chants that marred the north London derby on Sunday.

Managers of both sides were the victims of abuse from spectators at White Hart Lane, as was former Gunners frontman Emmanuel Adebayor, who recently crossed the north London divide by joining Spurs on loan from Manchester City.

Tottenham have confirmed that several spectators were ejected during the game from both the home and away sections of the stadium.

“It is club policy to ban fans who are found guilty of abusive chanting,” a Tottenham spokeswoman said.

The two clubs have also released a joint statement appealing for information and reminding fans that such behaviour will not be tolerated.

“Both clubs were extremely disappointed to hear the chants from supporters at yesterday’s game,” the statement reads.

“Neither club tolerates foul language, racist chanting, homophobic chanting or any anti-social behaviour from its supporters. We shall be working closely with each other to identify the individuals involved.”

“We should like to remind all of our supporters that we do not tolerate discrimination of any sort at the club, on the pitch or in the stands. If you experience any form of discrimination, help us to eliminate it from football.”

Spurs manager Harry Redknapp revealed his disgust at chants aimed both at him and Adebayor.

“What was chanted at Emmanuel was disgusting,” Redknapp said after the match, which Tottenham won 2-1.

“There was some pretty disgusting chanting at me as well but that’s life. How do you chant something like that at someone? You can’t be right mentally. You need help.”

“It’s got no place anywhere in life. Emmanuel never said anything to me (about the chants). I think he regretted what happened when he ran to the Arsenal fans after scoring for Manchester City the other season.”

“Even then what did he really do? They are all shouting abuse and he ran up and said ‘have a bit of that’.”

When asked if he disapproved of the chanting from both sections of the support, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said: “Yes. We respect everybody and want to be respected as well.”