Y word update

The Club has been in regular contact with the Metropolitan Police and our lawyers since the arrest of fans for use of the Y-word and, as reported yesterday (21 January 2014), three supporters have been charged and will appear in court next month.

The Club conducted sentiment research on the use of the Y word amongst our supporters during October last year. We received 11,500 responses and should like to thank fans for the many well-considered and sincere expression of views. We have spent time ensuring that each and every response submitted was read by the team of personnel dealing with this issue at the Club.

The Club took the decision, with legal advice, not to issue the findings of the research whilst the cases against our fans were progressing so as not to  prejudice the proceedings in any way, and in light of yesterday's developments, this remains the position.

We shall continue to monitor these cases as they proceed.

At this point in time, whilst we believe that our fans do not use the word with any deliberate intent to offend, we would once again remind our fans that the Metropolitan Police has stated that the use of the word can be considered a criminal offence on the basis that it can cause offence and we would ask that supporters are mindful of their use of the word.

We shall provide more guidance ahead of the Man City game following a meeting with the Police in advance of the match. Please check club channels for updates.

Please be assured we shall also be discussing with the Police, once again, the importance of adopting a zero tolerance position on anti-Semitic abuse.