(Reuters) – Chelsea said fans found guilty of racism would face the strongest possible action following allegations of anti-Semitic chanting by their supporters during their final Europa League group game against Vidi FC in Budapest yesterday.
The incident came days after four Chelsea fans were banned from their matches pending a police investigation following the alleged racist abuse of Manchester City forward Raheem Sterling last Saturday.
“Anti-Semitism and any other kind of race-related or religious hatred is abhorrent to this club and the overwhelming majority of our fans,” the club said in a statement.
“It has no place at Chelsea or in any of our communities. We have stated this loud and clear on many occasions from the owner, the board, coaches and players.
“Any individuals that can’t summon the brainpower to comprehend this simple message and are found to have shamed the club by using anti-Semitic or racist words or actions will face the strongest possible action from the club.”
European soccer’s governing body UEFA has launched an investigation into the alleged chanting, British media reported yesterday.
UEFA has yet to respond to a request for comment from Reuters.
Chelsea progressed to the knockout stage as Group L winners after yesterday’s match finished 2-2. BATE Borisov were second in the group, while Vidi were eliminated after finishing third.
