Coventry university sports club suspended over claims members wore T-shirts saying 'the Jews deserved it'

'We do not tolerate antisemitism or any form of hate crime'

Coventry university is investigating the matter (Google Street View)

A sports club at Coventry University has been suspended over claims students wore T-shirts emblazoned with swastikas and the words “The Jews Deserved it” to a social.

The university is investigating after images showing two students apparently wearing garments daubed with antisemitic images and slogans were circulated on social media.

Tochukwu Ajare, president of Coventry University Students’ Union (CUSU), said: "We understand these pictures were taken during a social event at a CUSU-affiliated sports club.

"We have immediately suspended the club while we look into the matter. We do not tolerate antisemitism or any form of hate crime.

“We will fully support the university in any disciplinary action it may take."

The Union of Jewish Students (UJS) told the Jewish News it was "once again dismayed to see another incident of antisemitic language written on T-shirts at a student party".

The spokesperson said: “This academic year we have already seen antisemitic incidents at ‘white-T-shirt parties’ in Plymouth, Lancaster and Newcastle, all revolving around the Holocaust.

“There can be no excuse for the deliberate trivialisation of the greatest trauma in recent Jewish history.

"We will be reaching out to Coventry University Students' Union and Coventry University. We expect appropriate action taken to demonstrate that such behaviour is unacceptable."

It comes after The Independent revealed that far-right activity on university campuses is rising and Holocaust denial becoming more prevalent among the younger generation.

Holocaust denial leaflets and posters, as well as antisemitic graffiti including swastikas, have emerged on campuses across the UK in recent years as more far-right activists target students.

A statement from Coventry University said: "We are deeply concerned about this matter.

“We are investigating and we will take disciplinary action against any student of the university who is involved."