The Tottenham Hotspur Supporters' Trust (THST) have condemned chants aimed at Liverpool fans during the clash at Anfield on Saturday that referenced poverty and joblessness. The match finished 1-1 with Son Heung-Min and Luis Diaz finding the net, but the action has been overshadowed by reports of discriminatory chanting from the away end.
A chant of 'sign on' was heard coming from the travelling supporters, referencing people who are reliant on benefits to make ends meet. It is the latest incident of fan chants having to be condemned in the Premier League this season with Manchester United fans also heavily criticised for singing about the Hillsborough disaster at Anfield.
On Monday morning, the THST put out a statement emphatically condemning the actions of the fans on Saturday night. It read: "Singing about the opposition has long been a feature of English football, and we are reluctant to tell fans how they should support the team. Nevertheless, we were disappointed to hear the “Sign on” chant at Saturday's away match at Anfield.
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"Poverty and joblessness are not fair game for banter. There is a cost of living crisis throughout England, including in London. Our Club represents an area and community with the fastest growing rate of unemployment in the country.
"We are rightly proud of our away support, and we want it to be noticed for positive reasons. For most of the game at Anfield our fans gave superb backing to a great team performance. Spurs fans have provided financial backing to Marine FC on Merseyside, and regularly contribute to foodbanks and community initiatives in London. This is what we are about.
"The “Sign on” chant is not what we are about. We’re Tottenham Hotspur. We’re better than that."
