Johan Cruyff victim of anti-Semitic abuse following lung cancer diagnosis

An investigation is underway after legendary Dutch footballer Johan Cruyff was subjected to anti-Semitic abuse during a match between Vitesse and Ajax.

Cruyff recently announced he has been diagnosed with lung cancer and thanked fans across the world for their "emotional and heart-warming" tributes.

At football grounds across his native Netherlands, where Cruyff is widely considered to be the greatest player the country has ever produced, a standing ovation was staged in the 14<sup>th minute in tribute to the famous number 14 shirt he wore for Holland.

However, during the Eredivisie game between Vitesse and Ajax, a banner was unfurled at the GelreDome with the inscription JHK, meaning Joden Hebben Kanker with English translation: the Jews have cancer, reported Goal.com.

Viteese are said to be horrified at the anti-Semitic banner and have promised to find those responsible. A statement on the club's website stated: "We will do our utmost to identify the perpetrators of this banner. We call on other supporters to help us identify that person because such behaviour is not appropriate for a club like Vitesse.

"Fortunately, the impressive ovation from the entire stadium in the 14th minute will not harm the support we want to bring to Johan Cruyff. The 21,000 fans must prevail over one individual author of a wrong message."