‘We’re better than that’ – Tottenham Supporters’ Trust condemn actions at Anfield

The Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust (THST) has condemned a section of the club’s fan base for chanting about unemployment levels in Liverpool during Saturday’s Premier League fixture at Anfield.

Spurs claimed a hard-fought point in a 1-1 draw in Merseyside to dent the hosts’ title chances while also not getting all three points to control their destiny in the battle for Champions League football next season.

But the contest was overshadowed by fans in the away end singing the ‘Sign on’ chant – a song which has often been used by opposition supporters in Liverpool to mock the levels of poverty and unemployment in the city.

The THST has since said it was ‘disappointed’ by a number of Tottenham fans taking part in the chant at the weekend, while maintaining that ‘poverty and joblessness are not fair game for banter’.

A statement released by the THST 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.

“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 food-banks 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.”

Spurs Web Opinion

The THST’s statement on the chant has since divided opinion with many taking it as banter while others believe it is outdated.

The reality is that football has moved on from what it was a few decades ago to the point where things like this will continue to be scrutinised.

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