No inquiry over antisemitism claims at school game

An investigation into reports of antisemitic chants during a boys' football match has been closed and no further action will be taken, police have said.

Earlier this month, an under-15 team from the London school JFS was playing in a national cup quarter-final at Thorpe St Andrew School, near Norwich.

Norfolk Police said afterwards it had been told of a suspected hate crime in which antisemitic chants were reportedly heard coming from spectators.

In an update, a police spokesperson said the force had found no evidence to verify the allegation.

"Police have extensively reviewed footage of the football match, and taken multiple witness statements from those present at the time, including match officials, team coaches and home and visiting supporters," the force said.

"Officers haven't found any evidence that there was antisemitic chanting or language used at any time.

"Accordingly, without any evidence or independent verification of the allegation, it does not meet the evidential standards required to pursue criminal proceedings.

"The investigation has therefore been closed and no further action will be taken."

JFS, based in Kenton in north-west London, was founded in 1732 as the Jews' Free School.

Penny Bignell, head teacher of Thorpe St Andrew, previously said in a letter to parents that antisemitic behaviour was "completely unacceptable".

A spokesperson for the school added it was "deeply concerned" to hear about the report while the English Schools' Football Association (ESFA) said it was also investigating.

Broad Horizons Education Trust (BHET), which runs the Norfolk school, said it had "fully and transparently" cooperated with police throughout the investigation.

"We recognise that concerns were raised and have treated them with the utmost seriousness," it added.

"Antisemitism and all forms of discrimination are completely unacceptable and have no place in our schools."

The match was in round eight of the ESFA Boys Under-15 Schools' Cup, which has involved 663 teams.

BHET said the under-15 boys' team would be playing in the semi-final against Riddlesdown Collegiate after the Easter holidays.

JFS and the ESFA have been approached for comment.

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