• Premier League

Arsenal and Spurs criticise chants

Arsene Wenger shakes hands with Emmanuel Adebayor © PA Photos

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Arsenal and Tottenham have issued a joint statement condemning and expressing their "disappointment" at some of the chants made by fans during Sunday's north London derby.

Tottenham beat Arsenal 2-1, but the game was marred by abusive chanting directed at Spurs striker Emmanuel Adebayor (a former Gunners player) and both managers Arsene Wenger and Harry Redknapp.

The clubs have now sought to condemn the actions of some fans and said: "Both clubs were extremely disappointed to hear the chants from supporters at yesterday's game. Neither club tolerates foul language, racist chanting, homophobic chanting or any anti-social behaviour from its supporters. We shall be working closely with each other to identify the individuals involved."

Tottenham, earlier, said that "it is club policy to ban fans who are found guilty of abusive chanting," while Redknapp hit out at the perpetrators.

"What was chanted at Emmanuel was disgusting," Redknapp said. "There was some pretty disgusting chanting at me as well but that's life. How do you chant something like that at someone? You can't be right mentally. You need help.

"It's got no place anywhere in life. Emmanuel never said anything to me [about the chants]. I think he regretted what happened when he ran to the Arsenal fans after scoring for Manchester City the other season.

"Even then what did he really do? They are all shouting abuse and he ran up and said 'have a bit of that'. It might have been a bit over the top but he'd been getting grief for 80 minutes and that's how he reacted."

Arsenal manager Wenger added that he wanted to be respected when he was asked if the chanting had bothered him: "Yes. We respect everybody and want to be respected as well."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.