Football stewards “will wear headcams” to prevent homophobic abuse
Officials at Tottenham Hotspur’s White Hart Lane stadium in London have confirmed they will wear head-mounted video cameras to monitor abusive chants at a match tonight.
The side will be facing Chelsea FC at the north London stadium later and reminded fans not to bring the side into disrepute.
The issued a “reminder to all fans, both home and away, that foul, abusive, homophobic or racist language will not be tolerated at White Hart Lane.
“The club will take action against anyone heard using such language.
“Stewards will again wear headcams at Thursday night’s match against Chelsea and will adopt a zero-tolerance policy.”
It was announced this week that Chelsea and England captain John Terry will face a criminal charge after allegedly using racist language against Queens Park Rangers’ Anton Ferdinand.
Police cautioned a Barnsley fan at a Brighton and Hove Albion match at the weekend for his use of homophobic language, and earlier this month a Southampton supporter was banned from attending matches for three years after a similar charge.
Tottenham Hotspur’s statement added: “If you hear anyone within White Hart Lane using foul, abusive, homophobic or racist language please report this to the club by texting the control room on the texting service number (07537 404 821) – this number can also be found in Thursday night’s official matchday programme.
“The texting service has been used to good effect in enabling us to ban people for committing offences on matchdays. You do not have to put up with mindless supporters who are intent on ruining your day, so use the system, report the individuals and let us take it from there.
“For our staff, it is better to monitor the problem as it is happening as we can view the area of concern on CCTV and deal with everything quickly.
“We do not tolerate discrimination of any sort at the club, on the pitch or in the stands.”
