Chelsea pledge ‘zero tolerance’ of racism
Buck calls on fans to report anti-semitism Uefa to investigate allegations in Vidi match
Chelsea chairman Bruce Buck has taken the unprecedented step of writing an open letter to supporters in which he has stressed that antisemitic chanting cannot be justified by the use of the Y-word by “other clubs”.
In a reference to a section of Tottenham Hotspur fans referring to themselves as “Yids”, Buck has said that anti-semitic language will not be tolerated by Chelsea and must be reported.
On the same day that Uefa confirmed it is investigating allegations of Chelsea supporters chanting anti-semitic abuse during their Europa League draw against Vidi in Hungary last week, Buck wrote: “We joined up with Kick It Out in 2010 to try to rid the game of the Y-word, and have frequently reiterated since that what other clubs may deem acceptable from their supporters in the way of personal identification does not alter our position of zero tolerance.
“This will not change. Since 2007, we have provided an SMS service that makes it easier for supporters inside the stadium to report discriminatory behaviour at matches. That number is 07894 937793 and I urge our fans to use this where appropriate and help us beat the plague that threatens to overshadow the fantastic work this club does for inclusion and equality. Alternatively, you can email buildingbridges@chelseafc.com.
“Clearly, there remains a way to go on this journey, but we will not rest until we have eliminated all forms of discrimination from our club. We’ll continue to work alongside our fans, anti-discrimination organisations and football authorities to create an environment where everyone feels welcome and valued. If you do not share these values, this is not the club for you.”
If found guilty by Uefa, Chelsea, who play Bournemouth in the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup tonight, could face a partial stadium ban in time for their Europa League last-32 clash with Malmo. The home leg of that tie is on Feb 21. Chelsea, along with the Metropolitan Police, are also investigating allegations of racist abuse being shouted at Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling, after four men were identified and suspended by the club.
Buck wrote: “After recent events, I wanted to take this opportunity to condemn the actions of a few mindless individuals at some of our recent matches. 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, wellbehaved fans. We’ve been carrying out our own investigations into these events while cooperating with authorities. We have 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. But we must all come together to stamp out these ugly scenes.”