Repeat a chant without knowing its meaning, and you might pay for it.
On February 22, Tottenham faced Arsenal in the North London derby. Kick streamer J2hundred was roaming the streets in an Arsenal jersey, but he didn’t expect to end up in handcuffs.
Derby Atmosphere Turns Into Arrest for IRL Streamer J2hundred
When Tottenham face Arsenal, London feels like a whole different world. Fans flood the streets, and so does the police presence. IRL streamer J2hundred did not want to miss that atmosphere. Wearing an Arsenal jersey and a classic Petr Čech cap, he headed into the streets of London to provoke reactions from Tottenham fans.
He captured the typical impressions of a North London derby: heated exchanges, loud chants, and even a bit of spit from a Tottenham supporter. At the time, that seemed like the peak of the chaos. In hindsight, it was the least of his problems. An encounter with police would ultimately end with his arrest.
Initially, the mood between J2hundred and the officers appeared relaxed. They exchanged words casually and even laughed together. But when J2hundred uttered the phrase “Yid Army” to some Tottenham fans, the atmosphere shifted immediately. The officers moved in and arrested him on the spot. They elaborated that this phrase was illegal because of its antisemetic implications.
The word “Yid” is a slur directed at Jewish people. Tottenham has traditionally had a large Jewish fan base, and for years some supporters used the term “Yid Army” as a self-designation for Tottenham fans.
In recent years, however, the phrase has come under increasing scrutiny because of its antisemitic implications. A major point in the debate has been that many younger people, in particular, are often unaware of the historical background and weight of the term. This incident has once again reinforced that concern.
By now, the streamer is out of custody. In the end, the incident serves as a reminder that words can carry weight, and if you repeat a phrase, you should understand its meaning. At the same time, context matters, and there is a difference between ignorance and malice.
