UEFA do NOT sanction Chelsea for racist behavior

Chelsea will not have to play next week’s Round of 16 first leg match against Dynamo Kiev in a partially closed stadium after UEFA announced their official decision for the charge of “racist behavior” by Chelsea supporters in the 2-2 draw against Vidi FC back in mid-December.

Decision: The CEDB has decided to close the disciplinary proceedings against Chelsea FC

-source: UEFA Disciplinary

As this would’ve been Chelsea’s first violation of Article 14, the club would’ve received only the minimum punishment as mandated by UEFA’s rules. A repeat violation would’ve resulted in a full stadium closure. But, as it stands, UEFA dropped the charges, which is surprising — they themselves decided after a month’s investigation to charge the club in the first place! — though sadly in line with their previous weak responses to racist behavior, chanting, and abuse (see: the Antonio Rudiger or the Michy Batshuayi cases of last season as two of the many examples).

Although UEFA have failed to act and draw a line, again, Chelsea have redoubled their efforts to combat and educate over the past 12-18 months, including the launch of the ‘Say No To Antisemitism’ initiative and this summer’s ‘Game For Change’ friendly in the USA.

The incident against Vidi FC prompted a strong and immediate response from Chelsea as well, promising swift and strong action against any supporter who “shames” the club by using antisemitic or racist words. It’s also led to the start of the #ChelseaTogether initiative as we, the fans, look to help stamp out this sort of abhorrent behavior. The situation has improved already in the short time since, but there is still a long way to go ... even if UEFA have turned a blind eye again.