Premier League ‘besieged’ by complaints claiming Black Lives Matter support is antisemitic

It is understood many complaints related to groups affiliated with the BLM movement using what are considered antisemitic tropes and phrases in criticising Israel over the ongoing situation in Palestine

The Premier League has been “besieged” by emails and letters complaining that supporting Black Lives Matter is antisemitic, adding to the pressure surrounding the partnership.

The Independent has been told that hundreds of people have written to the competition about the issue.

The Premier League this week issued a statement re-iterating their support for the sentiment, but distancing themselves from the Black Lives Matter UK movement, after the latter’s Twitter account made a series of posts about Palestine.

The letters to the competition preceded this by several weeks, however, and arrived after the Premier League first announced they would be backing the message in early June. It is understood many complaints related to groups affiliated with the BLM movement using what are considered antisemitic tropes and phrases in criticising Israel over the ongoing situation in Palestine.

The subject has long been a point of contention for Jewish groups in the USA regarding the BLM movement.

The issue also illustrates the complication over the issue, and the difference between the sentiment and the movement, as well as potential problems for the Premier League over future political messages.

Chief executive Richard Masters has consistently maintained that the BLM messages are “ethically-based values statements” as opposed to political, but recently conceded it could create “uncomfortable precedents” for the future. Julie Elliott, Labour MP for Sunderland, told Masters his responses on the issue “opened a can of worms” in Tuesday’s DCMS hearing.

The Independent has been told that the BLM messaging has prompted huge response – including complaints from the far right, as well as a “mixed bag” of other issues. Sources say the protests about antisemitism, however, stood out in terms of quantity.

The Premier League on Tuesday re-iterated its support for the BLM messaging but distanced the competition from “groups that seek to hijack popular causes” – a stance echoed by Crystal Palace

“The Premier League offered this backing as we wholly agree with the players’ single objective of eradicating racial prejudice wherever it exists,” a statement said.

“And we are unequivocal in the belief that there is no room for racism in our competition, football as a whole, or the wider community.

“Together, all professional football bodies and the players and managers recognise the importance of the message that black lives matter.

“However, we do not endorse any political organisation or movement, nor support any group that calls for violence or condones illegal activity.

“We are aware of the risk posed by groups that seek to hijack popular causes and campaigns to promote their own political views.

Players have worn Black Lives Matter badges on their sleeves (2020 Pool)

“These actions are entirely unwelcome and are rejected by the Premier League and all other professional football bodies, and they underline the importance of our sport coming together to declare a very clear position against prejudice.

“We want our message to be a positive one that recognises football has the power to bring people together.”

Crystal Palace issued a similar statement on Thursday.

“We stand proudly alongside members of the BAME community, our players and employees, and behind the ideals and ethos of ‘black lives matter’.

“However, we would like to make clear that we do not endorse any pressure group or body that carries the same term in its name, and we strongly believe that organisations should not use this important force for change and positivity to push their own political agendas.”

The Telegraph on Wednesday reported that Tottenham Hotspur – who have a considerable historic Jewish following – were the first Premier League club to break with the movement, with director Donna-Marie Cullen writing to a concerned fan saying they had been “equally disappointed” by the BLM UK tweets.

“It is unacceptable that a value-based action is being hijacked by those with their own political agenda,” Ms Cullen wrote.