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14th May 2016

Tyson Fury should be banned over antisemitic comments, charity argues

Has he gone too far this time?

Tom Victor

Tyson Fury has been no stranger to controversy throughout his career, but many believe his recent comments have crossed a line.

The world heavyweight champion was widely criticised last year for describing the legalisation of homosexuality and abortion as two of the ‘three things that need to be accomplished before the devil comes home’.

And he only added to the inflammatory comments this week, in a video which has seen him slammed as homophobic, transphobic and antisemitic.

Fury responded to the allegations of antisemitism, but arguably made things worse.

Now the Campaign Against Antisemitism, a UK charity whose aim is to ‘raise awareness of antisemitism and educate the public both as to what antisemitism is and how to fight it; and to ensure that when antisemitism does occur, it is dealt with as firmly as the law permits,’ has called for Fury to be banned from boxing.

In a statement reported by the BBC, Campaign Against Antisemitism spokesperson Jonathan Sacerdoti attacked the “centuries old” antisemitic slurs used by the 27-year-old, noting that “this is not [Fury’s] first offence”.

“Behaviour like this should prompt his sponsors to withdraw their backing. Britain does not tolerate or support racism,” Sacerdoti added.

And further criticism has come the boxer’s way, with increased calls for action to be taken regarding his comments.