Football anti-discrimination group Kick It Out has reported that antisemitic incidents are already higher in the first half of this season than throughout the entire 2013/14 campaign.
The group revealed that there were 59 reported cases of antisemitism from August to December 28 last year, two higher than during the whole of the previous season.
There was a 35 per cent increase in overall reports, with antisemitism the second-most common form of discrimination, making up just under a third of all cases.
Statistics come from all levels of the game, as well as social media platforms.
Kick It Out director Roisin Wood said the figures show how significant the problem of discrimination still is in the sport.
“The 35 per cent increase in incidents of discrimination reported to us since the start of the season, coupled with the recent high-profile cases of racist and antisemitic behaviour involving Chelsea and West Ham United fans, have shown the true extent of the issues that persist across all levels of English football.”
However, Ms Wood added that the rise in cases may be a positive development if it means that fans are standing up against racism, saying: “We take encouragement from receiving a greater level of reports, because it suggests people are more willing and confident to come forward.
“It is encouraging to see reports of incidents in the professional game increase by 65 per cent, especially as the vast majority of these have been due to supporters self-policing and taking a stand against discriminatory behaviour inside stadiums.
The report follows tweeted allegations on Sunday that before the Capital One Cup final against Tottenham, Chelsea fans sang antisemitic chants.
Journalist Charlotte Henry wrote: “On Tube to Wembley. Chelsea fans get on. Anti semitic chants start. ‘Spurs are on their way Wembley, Hitler go gas them again’”.
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