Chelsea players face racist abuse

Incident During the Match

Chelsea players faced racist behavior during a match against Qarabağ in the UEFA Youth League. Held at Baku’s Azersun Arena, the game ended in a 5-0 victory for Chelsea. A video showed fans targeting players with offensive gestures as they celebrated their goals.

Club’s Response

In response, Chelsea strongly condemned the behavior through an official statement, emphasizing that such actions have no place in sports or society. The club has reported the incident to UEFA, urging a thorough investigation under their rules. Chelsea stands firmly with their players, ensuring they feel supported.

Match Impact

The game experienced a temporary halt due to the abuse claims. Chelsea management promptly reached out to UEFA, seeking to resolve the issue. The club praised their players for promptly bringing the incident to attention and managing the situation calmly.

Recent Similar Incidents

This occurrence adds to a worrying trend. Aston Villa recently reported similar disturbances during a match with KF Skenderbeu concerning their Under-19 squad. Such events point to a prevalent issue of racism in sports, prompting calls for more rigorous action to tackle discrimination.

Chelsea’s Performance

Regardless of the incident, Chelsea’s performance on the field remained commendable. The team celebrated a comprehensive 5-0 victory with goals from Sol Gordon, Shumaira Mheuka, and Frankie Ruhman, alongside a brace from Jesse Derry. This win places them at the top of the Youth League table with four wins.