West Ham United have issued a lifetime ban to a supporter found guilty of anti-Semitic chanting during Sunday's defeat to Tottenham Hotspur.

The Hammers released a statement earlier on Monday insisting that the club "had zero arrests for racism or violence" during their Championship campaign last season.

However, recordings on Sky Sports News appeared to suggest signs of racist chanting from the club's supporters aimed at Spurs' Jewish following.

A statement released by the Football Association earlier today read: "The FA can confirm it has begun investigating reports of abusive chanting at the Tottenham Hotspur FC versus West Ham United FC fixture on 25 November 2011.

"The FA Governance Department has this morning contacted both clubs and will continue to make enquiries into the matter in the coming days.

"We note the statement issued by West Ham United FC and encourage Clubs to identify and ban for life any individuals involved in incidents of abusive chanting.

"There is no place for anti-Semitism or any form of discrimination in football. The FA is committed to working with the Clubs, Leagues, fans groups, the police, CPS and community stakeholders to play our part in addressing this unacceptable behaviour."

Jermain Defoe and Gareth Bale were among the goals as Tottenham secured a 3-1 victory in the London derby.