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Tottenham clamp down on offensive chants

Pa,Paul Hirst
Monday 11 April 2011 14:34 BST
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Adebayor was the focus of Tottenham fans at the Bernabeu
Adebayor was the focus of Tottenham fans at the Bernabeu (GETTY IMAGES)

Tottenham have warned their fans that any repeat of the offensive chants aimed at Real Madrid striker Emmanuel Adebayor at the Bernabeu last week will not be tolerated in Wednesday's clash at White Hart Lane.

Former Togo international Adebayor, who also played for Spurs' arch-rivals Arsenal, claimed he was the subject of a racist chant during last Tuesday's Champions League quarter-final first leg in Madrid.

Spurs accept the song, which contains the words, "Your dad washes elephants, your mother's a whore", is offensive but insist it is not racist in nature.

That has not stopped anti-racism group Kick It Out from condemning the song, with chairman Lord Ouseley saying last week that it has "racial undertones".

It was also heard once at this weekend's 3-2 victory over Stoke City, and the club have urged the "mindless" individuals thinking of chanting any offensive songs to think again.

A statement on the Tottenham's website read: "We do not tolerate discrimination of any sort at the club, on the pitch or in the stands.

"If you experience any form of discrimination, help us to eliminate it from football by reporting it - text us on 07766 553 225 or email us at safety@tottenhamotspur.com - we will treat your correspondence in strictest confidence.

"We have a fantastic atmosphere at the Lane and by working together we can prevent the small minority ruining it for everyone."

"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."

Adebayor scored twice in the first leg, which Jose Mourinho's men won 4-0.

The striker, who spent three-and-a-half years at Spurs' north London rivals, admitted after the game that the fight against racism was ongoing but conceded: "We can't do anything to stop it."

He said: "Big players better than me have tried to stop that, but it's not easy at all.

"We have done everything we can to show the red card to racism. But people are still into it, that's part of life.

"We can't do anything to stop it. Samuel Eto'o and big players have spoken about it better than I do, but it's not stopped them."

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