Wednesday, February 18, 2015

Watch: Chelsea fans push black passenger on Paris Metro train and chant 'we're racist'


Chelsea will support criminal prosecutions and ban any fans who were found to have prevented a black man from boarding a train in Paris and chanted: "We're racist and that's the way we like it."


Footage posted on The Guardian's website shows the commuter trying to board a Metro train in the French capital but he is blocked by what appears to be a group of Chelsea fans travelling to the Parc des Princes for the 1-1 draw with Paris St Germain on Tuesday night.


It is not confirmed if the men on the train were Chelsea supporters heading to the Champions League clash, but the club released a statement condemning the incident and said they will take action if supporters are found to be involved.


"Such behaviour is abhorrent and has no place in football or society," a club spokesman said.


"We will support any criminal action against those involved, and should evidence point to involvement of Chelsea season-ticket holders or members the club will take the strongest possible action against them, including banning orders."


Some individuals have been implicated on social media since the video was posted.


Chelsea are working with the relevant authorities to identify if those involved have season tickets or any other connection to the club.


The Metropolitan Police, which monitors supporters during European matches, is aware of the incident, and working with the French authorities.


Kick It Out chairman Lord Ouseley condemned the incident and called for Chelsea, and football, to avoid complacency over incidents of a similar nature.


Lord Ouseley said: "We know that prejudice is on the increase and that in itself leads to hateful attitudes and this sort of conduct.


"I was shocked that Chelsea fans were still behaving like this. I thought the club had made it quite clear and taken action about stopping any repetition, knowing Chelsea, how hard they've worked on these matters, with fans as well as players, that it was unlikely to occur.


"The fact it involved an assault as well, of the individual that they pushed off the train, was even more shocking.


"Clearly it sends out a strong signal to, not only Chelsea, but the whole of football, that you cannot be complacent and think the actions you're taking are sufficient to deal with the scourge of racism, sexism, homophobia and anti-Semitism. We've got to do a lot more and not be complacent."



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