Chelsea have had disciplinary proceedings opened against them over allegations of racist chanting at December’s Europa League match against Hungarian side MOL Vidi.
UEFA, European football’s governing body, announced the news on Tuesday morning, based on ‘the report submitted by the UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector commissioned to conduct an investigation’.
During the game with Vidi in Hungary it was alleged a number of Chelsea fans sung a derogatory song about Tottenham featuring anti-Semitic language.
Chelsea chairman Bruce Buck condemned the actions of ‘a few mindless individuals at some of our recent matches’ and added the club ‘will not rest until we have eliminated all forms of discrimination from our club’.
A UEFA statement read: “Based on the report submitted by the UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector commissioned to conduct an investigation – according to Article 31 (4) of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations (DR) – in relation to the alleged racist incidents that occurred at the afore-mentioned match, UEFA has announced that disciplinary proceedings have been instigated against Chelsea FC in accordance with the Article 55 of the DR.
“Incident (offence): Racist behaviour – Art. 14 DR
“The UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body will deal with this case on the occasion of its next meeting on 28 February 2019.”
Previous reports suggest the Blues could face a partial closure of Stamford Bridge if supporters are found guilty of anti-Semitism.
No punishment will affect Chelsea’s Europa League round of 32 ties against Malmo, with the case not being dealt with until February 28, seven days after the second leg clash.
