Chelsea are back in the headlines for the conduct of their fans with UEFA confirming it is to investigate the “alleged racist incidents” during the club’s Europa League game at MOL Vidi in Hungary.
Chelsea have already come out and condemned fans who sang an anti-Semitic chant in the game for “shaming” the club. A vocal minority chanted offensive songs about Tottenham Hotspur fans early in the 2-2 draw.
“Information in respect to the results of this investigation will be made available by the middle of January,” said a Uefa statement.
The incident against Vidi came three days after four Chelsea fans were suspended for allegedly racially abusing Manchester City’s black England international Raheem Sterling.
Chelsea face the prospect of a partial stadium closure with Uefa due to report in mid-January. Their next home game in European competition is February’s Europa League last-32 tie with Malmo of Sweden.
Meantime, with the image of the club at an all-time low off the pitch, Chelsea chairman Bruce Buck has written an open letter to fans condemning the actions of “a few mindless individuals”.
Buck said the actions were “unacceptable” and “unwelcome”.
“A deeply unpleasant but vocal minority which refuses to join us in the 21st century has shamed the great majority of our decent, well-behaved fans,” Buck said.
“Over the past weeks, months and indeed years, I have spoken at length to various Chelsea fans and supporter groups, all of whom are in full agreement that the type of behaviour we have witnessed is wholly unacceptable, hurtful and does not represent the club or the overwhelming majority of those who follow our teams home and away.”
Contact the writer of this story at moc.l1713909514labto1713909514ofdlr1713909514owedi1713909514sni@w1713909514ahsra1713909514w.wer1713909514dna1713909514