Chelsea fans involved in attack
February 18, 2015
A group of fans of English Premier League side Chelsea have caused uproar after footage emerged of a racially-motivated attack on a Paris citizen. The incident apparently occurred shortly before the club's 1-1 draw with Paris Saint-Germain in the French capital on Tuesday night.
Video footage released by "The Guardian" newspaper emerged on Wednesday morning of Chelsea fans provoking a black commuter from inside a Paris underground train, as the English supporters travelled to the Parc des Princes.
The images show the football fans forcing the man off of the train whilst chanting "We're racist, we're racist and that's the way we like it." Reports also later revealed that other black passengers "feared for their safety" as they remained on the train.
Chelsea Football Club swiftly released a statement in which they condemned their fans' behavior, saying "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 against them, including banning orders."
UEFA, FIFA and the English Football Assosciation all stated that they full support Chelsea's position in seeking to ban fans, who now face criminal action in relation to the incident.
FIFA president Sepp Blatter said on social media website Twitter that he "condemned" the actions of the "small group" of Chelsea fans involved, adding that "There is no place for racism in football!"
The London Metropolitan Police has said it will examine the footage to see if it can apply for football banning orders for the individuals involved. Such measures exist in the UK to prevent known trouble-makers from traveling to stadia on matchdays, and to England matches abroad.
Prosecutors in Paris have already opened investigations into the incident.
apc/asz (AFP, AP)