I'm Jewish and a Spurs fan. It isn't as bad as the n-word and people need to calm down. I'm 31 and no one cares about it and nor should you. if, like you say, it is used as a derogortroyroryeoyr identifier as Jewish, would you imagine that shouting CHRISTIAN at players would make them complain?

Could not disagree more with the general tone of this article and in particular the comparison of the two terms yid and nigger, they nothing alike, they do not compare it is utter tosh! In the words of Brian, I'm a yid mum, kosher, a Red Sea pedestrian and proud of it! COYS!

Yid is just a word. As a society we get to define, and redefine its meaning. Take the example of the word "queer" in reference to homosexuals. Twenty og thirty years ago it was used almost exclusively as a derogatory term for gays, and was intended to be offensive. How did the gay community react? They made it their own, and have successfully redefined the usage of the word in modern society. If a homophobe says "you f*cking queer" to a homosexual then yes, it is offensive. But it is not the word that is offensive, it is the context and/or the person saying it that is offensive. Likewise, a racist might call you a "f*cking Jew". This would obviously be offensive to any sane person who happened to hear it. Do you suggest that we ban the use of the word Jew, simply because it CAN be used to offend? Yes, the term "yid" has a sordid history. But if we change the definition of the word, we can change the way it is perceived as well. The Spurs fans chanting are saying "there's nothing wrong with the word 'yid'". By extension, they're also saying "there's nothing wrong with being Jewish. I think that's called progress.

I am also Jewish. I'm 63 years old and have been going to Spurs since I was 7. I appreciate what our learned writer above has expressed but my stance is completely opposite. When I hear our fans chant the yiddish term 'Yids' it actually makes me feel proud and gives me a warm feeling as it is said I believe in this instance it is said as a term of affection. I do understand how it could offend some people but we can never please everyone. May I also say that when I was younger I took an active role in protesting and disrupting facist and racist marches and meetings. I just see this as completely different and, in my humble opinion, harmless.

I do understand your point. I have often been called a Yid c**t in jest in working class pubs and it gets me. I don't know why it gets me as I know it is only joking of the alpha male kind but I can't help but feel a release when I call myself a Yid. When I see a fellow spurs fan and we announce "Yid army" I feel good. I don't know why. Because of my spurs roots I can't help but feel an affiliation towards the Jewish community, I feel when I hear the venom in some opposing fans voices when they hiss the word Yid I can comprehend a small tiny fraction of what prejudice is. It's a confusing situation when I happily say Yid army to my young boys and feel a sense of pride. They too have been called little Yids by their uncle and cousins in an unpleasant way and respond with joyous cheers of Yid army.

Interesting article. I am life long Spurs fan, however I, like most Spurs fans these days, am not Jewish. I have a few Jewish mates who are split on the subject. I totally agree that non Jews do not really have the right to adopt that word as there own, like the blacks in america have done with the N word. However lots of Jews (mostly young and even ones who live in Isreal) ave no problem with it, I have read several posts from Jews stating that to some extent they find it touchaing that such a large volume of non Jews stick up for and are proud of their Jewish histor. Let's not forget that the reason we have wrongly repatriated that word is baecuase of the foul abuse we (jews and non jews alike) have suffered at the hands of our rivals. I also think that the word Yid has a different historical and cultural meaning than the N word which has ALWAYS been derogratory and offensive. Good article, I understand all your points and agree but I think it would be sad if our future Spurs fans forgot about the history of the club. If Levy/Lewis ever banned it I suppose we would have to say "Jew army" instead or would this still be offensive?

Thanks for your thoughts, and obviously being Jewish, you have a different perpective to this word as I do. I'm also 40, a die hard Tottenham fan but not Jewish. When in general conversation with someone I've just met, when asked who I support, I say "I'm a Yid". It instantly stops any use of the word coming in my direction as any kind of slur. I don't use in that way, as a defence mechanism so to speak but I'm proud when I say it. I love the "Yid Army" chant,I think in the stadium it's pretty intimidating, which is the idea I guess. The only thing I would say is, to take it away from the Spurs fans, you give it back to the haters!

You're entitled to your opinion, even though you're a moron.

so the spurs fans have succeeded in rendering this word harmless for the next generation and you think it's a bad thing? honestly, just think about what you are saying. When a wall of chelsea start singing YID it no longer cuts the new generation as deeply as it cuts you. The hissing will, but that chelsea for you and off topic. If the spurs fans hadn't claimed this word for their own it would still be hurting the youngsters as much as it hurts you. Don't be selfish, realise what is happening.. when you and I are dead and buried this word will have even less impact. Well done Spurs fans.

I sympathise greatly with Paul Emmanuel's position, and admire his honesty in saying that he recognises that not all Jewish supporters will agree with him. In the past it was very common for particularly Chelsea and Arsenal supporters to call us yids and also to hiss in imitation of the gas ovens ....... disgraceful stuff for which we received no apologies. There was considerable discussion about how to deal with this transparent racism, and the decision was taking by a large group of supporters in a rational way to turn abuse into something positive. We took the idea from a group of American blacks who adopted the term nigger positively and gave it back to themselves - the same was done by Gays who called themselves queers or queens. I find it ironic that now Chelsea-supporting Jews have expressed offence, since it was THEIR club, largely that began the problem. I can never recall Chelsea supporters defending Spurs in the past when use of the term was rampant. My view is, if it is to be changed it will need to be done by Spurs supporters acting collectively. Maybe someone might think to suggest an alternative and inoffensive substitute. This will only work, however, if two things happen. Firstly all Spurs supporters have to agree to the change, and secondly racist supporters of other clubs have to be dealt with vigorously. In my opinion no other response will be effective.

The offensive and provocative use of this term by football supporters is evidenced by the hurt caused. Its not only the ignorant that should be better informed and educated but it is the responsibility of the football authorities initiate appropriate response. It causes upset and damage to the football club and to many genuine supporters. It deserves proper attention and public response.

WHAT REALLY IS A YID OR YIDDO A TRUE MEANING PLEASE ! ! ! ! !

When I first heard the word Yid in reference to Tottenham must have been in the early 80's I smiled.Im jewish and the fact that we play in Navy and White and always played (ok in the sixties) a haimishe game was great and having the word 'yid' associated with us felt good. Still there is always a concern it could be taken the wrong way. In London after the war there was still a lot of anti semitism and hearing the word Yid years later in positive terms made me happy. So I would be reluctant to see it go. Hopefully I wont have to rethink that because if I do then for sure something else would be happening in the bigger picture.So I understand your concern Paul Emanuel.

I never understood the connotations of the word and used it to describe myself as a spurs fan. the point here is simple. it is not for non-Jews (as most spurs fans are now Jewish) to reclaim a word that is offensive to the Jewish community. Clearly posters like steve spiegel above have a right to use the word as they say fit, but anyone who does not come from a Jewish background should back off and stick to calling themselves spurs. I’m Irish and use the term 'mick' in banter, but would not accept being called a mick by anyone not Irish or of Irish heritage. I for one will not be using the y word again now i understand the history.

political correctness gone beserk. Black people use the n word about themselves and reclaimed it. Other minorities have done the same. These chants are in our tradition. They champion the larger than usual contingent of jewish supporters at our club. Its a celebration of a jewish heritage in which yiddish is a language our supporters speak. Reading the history it is probable that jews themselves started using the word before more common use. PC needs to be more informative and less reactionary. Clearly used in derogatory way is wrong much like any slang or swear word. Offence comes from the way the word is used. In our case its to chant as pride at our players and the opposition. If we dont use it what will replace it that substitutes this celebration fo jewish heritage thats PC. Jermain defoe hes yiddish? Jermain Defoe hes jewish? Or would our offended jewish friends rather not celebrate their cultural influence in the club at all. So no reference to their past and ongoing support? People need to think before finding offence at everything. You can always find someone to offend about everything no matter what it is.

From what I read the Spurs fandom had a lot of jewish fans as part of the fan base around pre and post second war Britain. The fans demonstrated their solidarity and willingness to stand shoulder to shoulder against facism by doing the I too am Sparticus (Yid) thing. I can understand people without this knowledge not undertanding why we are proud to call ourselves Yids but when you understand this historical underpinning to it it warms the proverbial cockles. So when you hear Cheatski hissing their anti semetic chants we are still fighting anti semitism now by standing with the Jewish community.

yiddish is a language.used by jews in eastern europe.to call a jew who has any pride is offensive.that chelsea which is jewish owned allows the "J"and the hissing as YOU should be gassed is a inditement of the owner and the fans.

Totally agree with this article. There is absolutely no justification no case for using this term. It should be banned by all clubs including Spurs. People saying its ok are foolish. I dont care if you are jewish and believe it is ok, IT IS NOT. 'Yid' should be banned endof

I often wonder what would be felt by a descendant of a Norman invador if I called them a name, say Frenchy. Or maybe the descendants of Roman invadors? what if they called the english slaves? Probebly nothing, too much time has passed by. Not wishing to belittle anybody's feelings just wanting to point out that so long as it is known to hurt then some people will want to hurt you with it. What Spurs fans have done is to tell the world you cant hurt us with this word and one day people will stop trying too. It's a lesson we can all learn from.

Tay - what gives you the right to tell people how they should feel and think, especially Jews who not only do not find the word offensive but embrace it and are quite touched by it. Who are ou to tell the otherwise. Would you tell a black man to stop addressing his friends as Niggers, I wouldn't

In years gone by there was little defence against racism and Spurs fans had to shrug off the abuse by embracing the term and showing no offence was taken by using it themselves in a positive way. Today however racism has quite rightly been successfully targeted and Spurs fans are left labelling themselves 'Yids' which is now an outdated defence. One of the side effects of the anti racism movement is it has to cut all ways. So no more Irish jokes, choc ice comments and it's about time somebody sorted out the Scots who still bring their children up to hate the English. It's still acceptable under the law to call Gareth Bale a chimp whereas the same comment aimed at Ledley would result in a criminal prosecution. All personal comments are bad IMO but how should the law deal with it..........big ears, freckles, buck teeth all the way to skin colour and religion. So yes, Spurs fans need to drop the 'Yid Army' defenceive stance. Not needed anymore. We're protected by law now in that respect and it makes it harder for the law to act if the abuse is self inflicted.

If you know your history... if you don't read some of the comments above before treating us to your narrow mindedness. How Spurs fans use it is nothing short of nobility.

SPURS ARE ENGLISH CLUB NOT A JEWISH CLUB!!!

I followed Tottenham Hotspur avidly everywhere and still do strongly support Spurs even though I left the UK around 1970. In my time living in and near Tottenham and following the Club we were never a Jewish club. The term Yid or front wheel skid  was not offensive, it simply identified  some in our community who hung on to that culture. My memory tells me that there were far more Jewish people and Orthodox Jewish people  living around the Highbury area and followed Arsenal and many lived in Golders Green and the East End as well of course rather than in Tottenham. We older far away Spurs fans are not Yids and are not endeared to that term simply because we never were anything but Spurs fans. We don't like to hear "Yid Army". However, reading all of this material has helped me understand the change that has occurred though I and others that I know will never be Yids ourselves. We always have been and always will be simply Spurs fans a la Come on you Spurs !

TOTALLY AGREE DAVID COOK!Come on you Spurs !!!

Hold on David. Aren't Arsenal from Woolwich? Have they been in the area as long as Spurs? Isn't that part of our rivalry that they have moved in on our patch? Dont football fans span generations and are loyal in those families especially jewish families. I lived in Kent but am a Spurs fan because of the 3 generations before me who lived in the area (closer to Highbury), but have always supported Spurs. The heritage is still true today - Levy and Sugar our two most recent directors are Jewish. And I cant see how a race can create a word thats used and recorded as being used by them, that then is deemed by later generations as being offensive. The n word is reclaimed by black people having been used by white slave owners. This is different. Im reclaiming the cantonese words gui lo. Means white ghost and its how the hong kong chinese refer to us whiteys. Its great to have one when talking to other races. If I make it general use unlike the n word. Its power is enhanced not diminished. I am saying I dont care about these words used to describe my race and you can use them too.

I am a spurs fan not jewish! I feel that the word 'yid' was used as an insult and i think that the large jewish spurs following should really be glad that instead of takin it as an insult for years and years they have taken it as there own and used it as fuel for there teams support! I tottally see how it still is hurtful to jews and if used outside the spurs and football community should not be used!

Isn't 'yid' short or slang for 'yiddish' - a predominently jewish language? I would say normaly not something bad. However if the opposition are using the term it isn't a compliment (CONTEXT). However in the end 'sticks and stones'.

Correction: Isn't 'yid' short or slang for 'Yiddish' - a predominantly Jewish language? I would say normally not something bad. However if the opposition are using the term it isn't a compliment (CONTEXT). However in the end 'sticks and stones'.

grow up

TOTTENHAM IS AN ENGLISH CLUB NOT JEWISH. ENDOF.

Get your facts right. There is no Jewish heritage. Most Chairmen of top clubs are jewish so dont try and make out its only Spurs to suit your own goals.Abramovich is the biggest jew at Chelsea what about that? I say ban the yid word simple.

Its not the label of Jew or Yid that is the problem.It is the people who use them in whatever way its used. Antisemites are antisemites no matter what and they will create their own name for us if they cant use a kosher one. Those that have lived through times years ago where if you were a little different,you would be subjected to vicious racism of one type or another. Later from the late 60's it became different but in any case antisemites will always use derogatory expressions openly or quietly against Jews. So it doesnt matter.Its not the word.Its the person,the group or the society

Mark Price - who should grow up?

Is there an unusually large Jewish following anyway ?

unusually David? Why unusually. There are probably more Episcopalians who support Fulham and Anglicans there is nothing to discuss and many many Buddhists who follow avidly Millwall

bored of it 10 years. it served a very good purpose to shut the chelsea racists up but it really is time to move on.

Saying it is no longer a defense and it is not needed anymore seems a little foolish when we look at the rampant antisemitism displayed in Russia and eastern block countries. If there were a game played here and their supporters came here spouting their usual rubbish they would be confronted with a supporter base that not only refused to go along with their antisemitism but actively stood along with their Jewish fellow supporters and showed visible and undividable support for them. married to a long history of this, to me that is what the Yid Army thing is all about .. and I hope will carry on being as it is a proud part of both cultures history in this country.