Chelsea stars targeted by racism and 'monkey noises' in Champions League clash
Source: Daily Star
Published 4 hours ago
Chelsea have issued a statement slamming alleged racist abuse directed at the Blues' Under-19 team during their UEFA Youth League clash against Qarabag in Baku, which saw the match temporarily suspended.
Academy players were visibly upset following an incident involving a spectator in the stands, leading the referee to halt proceedings in Azerbaijan's capital. The Blues were leading 1-0 through Sol Gordon when the game was stopped, with he and his teammates having been celebrating near a small section of Qarabag ultras when the confrontation took place.
Those present at the match reported witnessing monkey gestures and hearing racist sounds, according to football.london.
Chelsea issued a statement saying: "We are aware of an incident during today's UEFA Youth League match in Azerbaijan in which, after scoring, a number of our players were subjected to racist abuse from an individual in the crowd.
"Racism and all forms of discriminatory behaviour are completely unacceptable and have no place in football or indeed in society. We strongly condemn the actions of the individual responsible.