UEFA "launched an investigation into the conduct of a section of Chelsea's supporters" as it seeks to determine whether they were "guilty of an antisemitic chant" during last week's Europa League match against Vidi in Hungary, according to Dominic Fifield of the London GUARDIAN. The governing body confirmed that it commissioned an ethics and disciplinary inspector to look into "the alleged racist incidents," having scrutinized reports submitted last week by its officials, including the Macedonian referee and his assistants (GUARDIAN, 12/18). Fifield also reported Chelsea Chair Bruce Buck published an open letter to the club’s supporters condemning the actions of a "mindless" minority at recent games and vowing not to rest "until we have eliminated all forms of discrimination from our club." He said, "These actions are unacceptable and unwelcome both in our club and in football. 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. We have been carrying out our own investigations into these events while co-operating fully with authorities. We have already suspended four individuals pending investigations and will continue to take the strongest possible action against anybody found to have been using discriminatory words or gestures" (GUARDIAN, 12/18).
UNDER INVESTIGATION: In London, Matt Law reported Chelsea, along with the Metropolitan Police, is also investigating allegations of racist abuse being shouted at Man City’s Raheem Sterling after four men were identified and suspended by the club (TELEGRAPH, 12/18).
TALKING IT OUT: In London, Sami Mokbel reported Premier League execs "want urgent talks with prominent black players as they step up their fight against racism." EPL bosses "are seeking dialogue with a number of the Premier League's leading black stars to discuss what they believe can be done to combat racism." The league "will also seek talks with black former players as well as other leading anti-racism figureheads and bodies" (DAILY MAIL, 12/17).
'HISTORIC ALLEGATIONS': In London, Mike Keegan reported police are "investigating historic allegations that a young Chelsea footballer was the subject of a racially-aggravated assault." Detectives from the Metropolitan Police "launched a probe following a recent complaint." A Met spokesperson said, "Police received an allegation of non-recent racially-aggravated assault in September 2018. Enquiries are ongoing. There have been no arrests. We do not confirm who we have spoken to as part of an investigation" (DAILY MAIL, 12/17).
