LONDON. — Chelsea fans have been caught on camera pushing a black man off a Paris Metro train before singing a racist chant. The footage — acquired by the Guardian — shows the man trying to board the train at Richelieu-Drouot station only to be denied by the Blues supporters a number of times. The travelling fans then began chanting: “We’re racist, we’re racist and that’s the way we like it.”

The incident kicked-off before Chelsea’s 1-1 draw against Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of the Champions League last-16 on Tuesday night.

A club spokesperson responded: “Such behaviour is abhorrent and has no place in football or society.

“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.”

Paul Nolan, a British expatriate who filmed the clip, told the Guardian: “He was obviously completely shocked when they pushed him off.

“I don’t think he realised who they were. He then tried to get on again and got pushed off a second time.

“There definitely was a culture shock. I heard a couple of French guys saying: ‘I can’t believe this. It’s insane.”

Chelsea fans have called for the vile racists who disgraced the club in Paris to be named and shamed.

Sickening footage of fans refusing a black man entry onto a Metro train in the French capital emerged just hours after the Blues’ Champions League clash with PSG.

In the video, fans can also be heard chanting: “We’re racist, we’re racist, and that’s the way we like it”.

Gary Lineker and Ian Wright are among the high profile tweeters to have weighed in with their condemnation of the unsavoury incident.

Chelsea have vowed to ban the vile perpetrators from Stamford Bridge and support any prosecution brought against them.

Scotland Yard said it was taking the incident “very seriously” and would help identify those involved.

The Metropolitan Police said it would help French authorities investigate the incident — which was filmed by a British man ahead of Tuesday night’s Champions League match — and would support them in any action they chose to take.

“We will examine the footage with a view to seeing if we can apply for football banning orders, preventing people from travelling from future matches,” a spokesman said.

However, Uefa have confirmed that they will be taking no action against the fans, as the incident falls outside it’s jurasdiction.

“Uefa condems all forms of discrimination and we are appalled by the incident which took place on the Paris Metro on Tuesday,” a statement read.

“However, as it occurred away from the stadium, it is outside Uefa’s remit to act.

“It is a matter for the local authorities to investigate further and Uefa supports any action that is taken.”

Fifa president Sepp Blatter also commented: “I also condemn the actions of a small group of Chelsea fans in Paris. There is no place for racism in football!”

Kick It Out chairman Lord Ouseley says the unsavoury event should serve as a message to the whole of football to avoid complacency in it’s fight against prejudice. “We know that prejudice is on the increase and that in itself leads to hateful attitudes and this sort of conduct,” Ouseley told PA.

“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 Daily Express.

You Might Also Like

Comments