Chelsea FC have had a very troubled recent history when it comes to their supporters engaging in racist and anti-Semitic behavior. It’s been a re-occurring theme this season, but in this instance it is Chelsea who are the victims of racial abuse.
It was supporters of the opponent, in this case Dynamo Kiev, engaging in the deplorable behavior this time. The incident occurred Thursday night in the closing stages of Chelsea’s 5-0 Europa League win at the Olympic Stadium in Kiev, Ukraine.
We can confirm a report of racist abuse directed at one of our players in the final minutes of the match in Kiev from a small section of home supporters.
We wholeheartedly condemn such abhorrent behaviour.https://t.co/ZG12S8ZqFc
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) March 18, 2019
Chelsea forward Callum Hudson-Odoi heard monkey chants coming from the stands, so he informed Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta. The Blues defender then informed referee Tobias Steeler at the final whistle, pointing towards the section of the stadium where the Dynamo Kiev Ultras engaging in this behavior were located.
Chelsea posted an official statement on the club website which states how the “club secretary spoke to the UEFA match delegate immediately after the match. We expect UEFA to conduct a fulsome investigation and we will provide full cooperation.”
This official statement is the only public commentary made by any member of Chelsea in regards to this incident, including Callum Hudson-Odoi.
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net, which is partnered with News Now. Banks, a former writer for NBC Chicago.com and Chicago Tribune.com, regularly appears as a guest pundit on WGN CLTV and co-hosts the “Let’s Get Weird, Sports” podcast on SB Nation.
He also contributes sociopolitical essays to Chicago Now. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram. The content of his cat’s Instagram account is unquestionably superior to his.