UEFA starts disciplinary action against Chelsea over alleged anti-Semitic chants

PARIS, France — UEFA begins disciplinary proceedings against Chelsea following alleged anti-Semitic chanting during the club’s Europa League match at the Hungarian club Vidi last month, European football’s governing body announces.

A vocal minority of Chelsea fans were heard singing a derogatory chant about Tottenham supporters, featuring anti-Semitic language, during the 2-2 draw at the Groupama Arena in Budapest.

“In relation to the alleged racist incidents that occurred at the aforementioned match, UEFA has announced that disciplinary proceedings have been instigated against Chelsea FC,” UEFA says in a statement.

It adds that its Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body will deal with the case on February 28.

Chelsea have been dogged by accusations of supporter racism in recent weeks, with four supporters banned pending an investigation into alleged racist insults directed at Raheem Sterling during the Blues’ 2-0 win over Premier League champions Manchester City in early December.

Chelsea coach Maurizio Sarri said the club is in a “fight against stupid people” following further allegations of racism from supporters in the away end during his side’s 2-1 win at Watford on December 26.

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich and several of the club’s players joined the World Jewish Congress this week as part of its “We Remember” campaign to help raise awareness about the Holocaust and fight racism and discrimination.

— AFP