Chelsea launch investigation into sectarian abuse of Aston Villa’s John McGinn at Stamford Bridge

Chelsea Football Club are at the forefront of football’s continuing fight against racism, antisemitism, and all other forms of discrimination, and events on Saturday night have reminded, again, that the fight is far from over, on all fronts — and we must all remain vigilant and committed, even if the task is seemingly hopelessly daunting.

A video has surfaced on social media of Aston Villa’s John McGinn being on the receiving end of sectarian abuse from a human animal in the crowd on Saturday night. Sectarian abuse is abuse based on intertwined religious, political, cultural and views, and in the context of McGinn’s Glaswegian origins, based on the long-running conflict between Roman Catholics and Protestants/Unionists (often manifesting itself loud and proud and shameful at Old Firm derbies between, respectively, Celtic and Rangers). From 2012 until its repeal in 2018, such sectarian abuse during football matches was specifically codified into being a criminal act, even, and it remains punishable as all forms of hate speech are.

The video that has surfaced does not show the abuser in question. Chelsea have launched an investigation, and you can help with any information you may have.

We are aware of a video circulating on social media showing an individual using abusive language of a sectarian nature in the crowd at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

Chelsea Football Club finds all forms of discriminatory behaviour totally unacceptable and we condemn the language used.

The Club is working to identify the person involved and will take the strongest possible action against them. Any supporter who was present in that area of the ground and has information that can assist the Club’s investigation should contact the Club via our discrimination reporting line 0207 3863355.

-Chelsea statement

Identifying one person it’s just a drop in the ocean, but what is an ocean if not a collection of drops.

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