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An inquiry has been launched after football fans at an U18 football match loudly chanted the word “Yid” at least 31 times.

Hundreds of Tottenham Hotspur supporters sang songs with the controversial word in it during their youth match against London rivals Chelsea.

One fan logged each time the Tottenham crowd sang the word - which the FA has urged fans to avoid.

It was heard at least 21 times in the first half and 12 in the second.

Anti racism organisation Kick it Out - who have fought bigotry in football - said the incidents were now being investigated.

Neutrals at the FA Youth Cup semi final second leg said they we shocked by the persistent use of the word.

The log in the opening few minutes showed Spurs fans singing.

The supporter said: “The songs were loud and sang by 150/200 Spurs fans sat in one of the end of the stadium.

(Image: Getty)

“The fans were mainly male and young adult men.

“Chelsea supporters were mainly mums dads and children.

“It was a deeply unpleasant atmosphere - particularly at a Youth match.

“I spoke to one Dad who said his son had kept asking him what a Yid was?”

A spokesperson for Kick It Out said: “The use of the Y-word can and does cause offence to some people, both in football and wider society.

“Having been made aware of an alleged incident fixture, we have informed The FA who have confirmed they will investigate.

“We remind fans of all clubs that there are several ways that discrimination can be reported, including via our free app, email, and via telephone.”

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A crowd of 3,666 - with several hundred away fans - attended the match at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea 2-0 from the first leg won the match 5-2 and went through to the final 5-4 on aggregate.

Spurs fans claim they have the right to use the word as they have a large Jewish following in response to anti-semitic songs from rivals including Chelsea and West Ham.

In the past the FA has issued a firm statement on used of the word.

They said: “The FA considers that the use of the term ‘Yid’ is likely to be considered offensive by the reasonable observer and considers the term to be inappropriate in a football setting.

“The FA would encourage fans to avoid using it in any situation. Use of the term in a public setting could amount to a criminal offence, and leave those fans liable to prosecution and potentially a lengthy Football Banning Order.”