The two-minute long video was developed as part of Chelsea’s wider campaign to tackle antisemitism in football and highlights that antisemitic abuse is still prevalent in English Football.
This was echoed earlier this week in the release of Kick It Out’s reporting statistics from the 2017/18 season, as antisemitism comprised 10 per cent of all discrimination reports to the organisation.
Chelsea FC and the film’s director, Ivor Baddiel have kindly donated the footage to Kick It Out to utilise as an educational and awareness raising tool, which harrowingly showcases the effects of antisemitism.
Commenting on her role in the film, Eni Aluko, who currently plays for Juventus in Italy, said: “The problem of antisemitism in football isn’t as widely discussed as it should be. But Chelsea and Kick It Out’s work is shining a spotlight on the issue, and this hard-hitting film will play a big part in that.
“Jewish people have always been part of the football community, on and off the pitch, so it’s essential we talk about antisemitism and the impact it can have on the Jewish community, the game and society as a whole. I’m proud to play my part in that conversation.”
Keeley Baptista, Head of Partnerships, added: “We are pleased to support Chelsea FC’s wider work around antisemitism – it has no place in football and must be reported. It is the work of all of us to do our part and ensure it is eliminated from the game.”
Earlier this year, Kick It Out also released a training guide for match day stewards to help improve awareness of antisemitic behaviour – and the role they and their club play in tackling it – with the aim of creating a more inclusive match day experience for all supporters.
The resource, produced alongside the Community Security Trust (CST), offers information on antisemitism and the current laws around it, as well as advice on what action can be taken under The Football (Offences) Act 1991.
Kick It Out said: “Antisemitism remains a serious issue in football and wider society. In recent years both organisations have recorded notable increases in the number of antisemitic incidents occuring in England.
“We believe the booklet will provide vital education for stewards and safety officers across the country to understand, identify and tackle antisemitism in football stadiums.
“We urge all EFL clubs to utilise this resource and ensure matchday staff are fully prepared and trained to deal with any abuse that may take place.”
WARNING: The film contains offensive language and footage that viewers may find distressing.
Kick it Out and Chelsea FC would like to thank the following people and organisations for their important contributions to the film:
Ivor Baddiel, Jeremy Vine, Eniola Aluko, Rebecca Joy, Mark Anker, SoundNode, Footage Farm, IMG/Premier League Archive, Sky Sports, beIN SPORTS, talkSPORT, WeAreTottenhamTV.
If you witness any form of discrimination in football, including antisemitism, you can report it to Kick It Out via the organisation’s app, email (report@kickitout.org), freephone (0800 169 9414) or website.
If you witness any antisemitism across the UK, inside or outside football, you can report it to CST via email (incidents@cst.org.uk), freephone (0800 032 3263) or website.