Dutch player caught in anti-Semitic chant
Lex Immers, midfielder for ADO Den Haag, apologizes for video showing him singing during post-match party, 'We’re going to hunt for Jews'
Immers had scored in the Sunday match, where ADO beat Amsterdam club Ajax, 3 to 2. During a raucous post-match party, the midfielder was caught on camera in a bar singing (along with numerous fans), “We’re going to hunt for Jews.”
The song was targeted at Ajax supporters, who traditionally have identified with Amsterdam’s Jewish community.
"I got carried away in the euphoria of a special win, and at that moment was unaware of the offensive tone to an entire nation. I regret it and will accept the penalty imposed on me," Immers said in a statement.
"In the presence of two coaches, a player and a group of fans I have let the fan in me go. When I sing 'We're going to hunt for Jews,' I mean that we want to beat Ajax. Nothing more, nothing less.
"The slogan 'We're going to hunt for Jews' seemed innocent," Immers added in Voetbal International, a popular Dutch soccer magazine.
ADO has launched a full investigation into the incident, interviewing coaches, players and fans, and stated that Immers will be slapped with the maximum fine possible. The Dutch Football Association will be investigating as well.
Reprinted with permission from Shalom Life
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