Yes, it would appear that it happened again. Literally just days after Chelsea and Chelsea fans were shamed by the apparent racist abuse of Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling at Stamford Bridge, the club’s name and reputation are being dragged through the mud once again by reports of anti-semitic chanting at the MOL Vidi match on Thursday night in Budapest.
Chelsea came to Budapest with nothing to play for, and leave with so much less than that.
— Dan Levene (@danlevene) December 13, 2018
The club is furious about tonight's events: racist chanting from section of away end; official statement criticising lack of 'brainpower' by those involved; UEFA investigating fans conduct.
These have now been brought to the attention of UEFA, who have launched an investigation (or are set to launch an investigation). That probably will mean that Chelsea will be absolved (or just slapped on the wrist), since UEFA investigations are impotent and useless things (as we saw with the “investigation” into Rudiger’s racial abuse by AS Roma supporters), but that does not take away one bit from the sheer idiocy, embarrassment, and shame of the situation.
BREAKING: UEFA investigating allegations of anti-semitic chanting by @ChelseaFC fans during Europa League game at Mol Vidi #SSN
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) December 13, 2018
Contrary to some reports, Uefa haven’t opened an official investigation yet. They’ll wait for the official reports from the game before making that decision.
— Liam Twomey (@liam_twomey) December 13, 2018
Chelsea’s statement, however, makes it clear they’re prepared to take their own action regardless #cfc
Either way, it’s exasperating, and Chelsea’s official statement seems to indicate that the club are fed up with it as well.
I’m not sure what the strongest possible action may be, but lifetime bans should just be the start for anyone who participates in such chanting, abuse, or behavior.
Antisemitism and any other kind of race-related or religious hatred is abhorrent to this club and the overwhelming majority of our fans. 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 antisemitic or racist words or actions will face the strongest possible action from the club.
A club spokesman issued it to the journalists who attended the game
— Liam Twomey (@liam_twomey) December 13, 2018
Statement just in from Chelsea FC official spokesman on the racist chanting by a section of Chelsea fans in Budapest tonight... pic.twitter.com/eNl7O1tDwf
— Dan Levene (@danlevene) December 13, 2018
P.S.: If you think any of this is funny, or “just banter”, or not that important or anything of the sort, please identify yourself in the comments so at least I can ban you from this site. Thank you.
P.P.S.: Yes, this has been going on for many years, decades even. That doesn’t make it right or correct or acceptable.