A TWEET which resulted in George Galloway being sacked by a radio station has been labelled “blatant anti-Semitism” by a leading Jewish organisation.
The former Scottish Labour MP put up the post following Liverpool’s victory over Tottenham Hotspur in the Champions League final in Madrid on Saturday.
He said: “Congratulations to the great people of Liverpool to the memory of the socialist miner Bill Shankley [sic] to the fallen 96 to those who fought for justice for them and to the Liverpool dockers. No Israel flags on the Cup!”
Congratulations to the great people of #Liverpool to the memory of the socialist miner #BillShankley to the fallen #96 to those who fought for justice for them and to the Liverpool dockers. No #Israël flags on the Cup!
— George Galloway (@georgegalloway) June 1, 2019
Galloway’s employer, TalkRadio, yesterday announced that it had severed ties with the presenter.
The station, which is owned by Rupert Murdoch’s News UK, said in a statement: “TalkRadio has terminated George Galloway’s weekly show with immediate effect. As a fair and balanced news provider, TalkRadio does not tolerate anti-Semitic views.”
The former politician said he would see his former employer in court.
Board of Deputies of British Jews president Marie van der Zyl described Galloway’s tweet as “blatant anti-Semitism”.
She added: “We also applaud TalkRadio for taking this poisonous and divisive figure off air. His attempt to bring hatred into a wonderful occasion for English football has attracted the derision it deserves.”
A spokeswoman for the Jewish Leadership Council added: “George Galloway never misses an opportunity to hurl insults at Israel or any person or body he feels might have support from Israel. He is a repeat offender.
“It is fitting that both Liverpool FC and Tottenham Hotspur have condemned his self-seeking antics. It seems that this latest tirade has backfired. TalkRadio has made entirely the right decision in sacking him.”
In a string of tweets following his dismissal, Galloway said: “I’ve just been sacked by @talkRADIO See you in Court guys. #Palestine #Moats Long live Palestine.”
He then added: “I’ve been given a Red Card from @talkRADIO for ‘over-celebrating’ #Liverpool famous victory over Spurs.
“Not sure it’s the wisest move Mr Murdoch’s team ever made given the history and all.”
Labour Party deputy leader Tom Watson condemned George Galloway’s “bigotry” and “hate-fuelled” comments.
The shadow media minister said: “It is right that TalkRadio has cancelled George Galloway’s radio show after his latest hate-fuelled remarks. There can be no place for this hatred in our society.
“We must stand together against bigotry and in solidarity with the Jewish community. I welcome the decision to take a voice that thrives on division off the air.”
Tottenham are known for having historically significant support from the Jewish community.
A club statement to Sky Sports News said: "It’s astounding in this day and age to read such blatant antisemitism published on a social platform by someone who is still afforded air time on a radio station on which he has previously broken broadcast impartiality rules."
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