LONDON (THE GUARDIAN, AFP) - Chelsea face the partial closure of Stamford Bridge in the Europa League after Uefa opened disciplinary proceedings over allegations that their travelling supporters engaged in racist chanting during the draw at Vidi last month.
The European football governing body announced on Tuesday (Jan 15) that, based on the report submitted by its ethics and disciplinary inspector who had investigated incidents at the group-stage fixture in Budapest, proceedings had been instigated against Chelsea.
Uefa's control, ethics and disciplinary body will deal with the case at its next meeting, on Feb 28.
Its regulations state that, if supporters are found guilty of behaviour "that insults the human dignity of a person or group of persons on whatever grounds, including skin colour, race, religion or ethnic origin", the minimum punishment is the partial closure of their home stadium in a subsequent fixture.
Chelsea host the second leg of their round-of-32 tie with the Swedish club, Malmo, on Feb 21, meaning any sanction would be implemented either in the last 16 or, if they have been eliminated, when the London club next feature in the competition.
This would be Chelsea's first offence, and a second incident would see them forced to play a match behind closed doors.
The club publicly condemned the chants - an anti-Tottenham Hotspur (who have a large Jewish fan base) song which was heard in the opening three minutes - in the immediate aftermath of the 2-2 draw at the Groupama Arena.
They have endeavoured to identify those in the 1,273 away support involved with a view to imposing bans from Stamford Bridge, as well as offering anyone found guilty the chance to enter an educational programme in a bid to learn why the chant is so offensive.
The club, whose owner Roman Abramovich is Jewish, launched its Say No to Antisemitism campaign a year ago to raise awareness and educate about anti-semitism in football.
The chairman, Bruce Buck, has since published an open letter to supporters condemning the actions of a "mindless" minority and vowing not to rest "until we have eliminated all forms of discrimination from our club", adding: "If you do not share these values, this is not the club for you."
Chelsea have already been dogged by accusations of fan 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 English Premier League champions Manchester City in early December.
Chelsea coach Maurizio Sarri said the club were in a "fight against stupid people" following further allegations of racism by supporters in the away end during his side's 2-1 win at Watford on Boxing Day.
UEFA open disciplinary proceedings against Chelsea amid alleged racist chanting vs MOL Vidi; So the Blues could face some disciplinary action against them should they be found guilty on February 28, but what sanctions could they face? When contacted by football.london, UEFA were not willing to discuss the case itself, however Article 6 of their
Dominic Fifield, The Guardian | Raheem Sterling in action for Manchester City against Chelsea at the weekend. Getty Images. Featured Image Chelsea face the partial closure of Stamford Bridge in the Europa League after Uefa opened disciplinary proceedings over allegations that their travelling supporters engaged in racist chanting during the draw at Vidi last month.
Chelsea facing partial Stamford Bridge closure in Europa
Chelsea facing partial Stamford Bridge closure over racist chanting. UEFA have launched an investigation into chants from supporters during the 2-2 draw at MOL Vidi last month
Chelsea face partial stadium closure in Europaover racist
Chelsea are braced for a partial stadium closure in the Europa League after UEFA officially launched an investigation into alleged racist chanting by supporters during the club's 2-2 draw at MOL
Chelsea face partial closure of Stamford Bridge if UEFA finds
Chelsea face the partial closure of Stamford Bridge in the Europa League after Uefa opened disciplinary proceedings over allegations that their travelling supporters engaged in racist chanting during the draw at Vidi last month.
Chelsea face partial stadium closure over alleged racist
Football: Chelsea face partial stadium closure over alleged racist chanting by fans as Uefa opens case A general view inside Stamford Bridge stadium. PHOTO: REUTERS
Chelsea face stadium closure as UEFA opens disciplinary
Chelsea are braced for a partial stadium closure in the Europa League after UEFA officially launched an investigation into alleged racist chanting by supporters during the club's 2-2 draw at MOL
Chelsea face partial stadium closure over alleged racist
Chelsea face a partial closure of Stamford Bridge However, UEFA will decide on Friday whether to open its own disciplinary case. The European football's governing body's regulations state that
The punishments Chelsea could face after UEFA charge for
Chelsea face stadium closure as UEFA opens disciplinary proceedings over alleged racist chants is punished with a minimum of a partial stadium closure."
Chelsea facing partial Stamford Bridge closure over racist
Jan 15, 2019 · Chelsea face partial stadium closure over alleged racist chanting by fans This article is more than 4 months old • Uefa open disciplinary proceedings in regards to Vidi incident
Football: Chelsea face partial stadium closure over alleged
Chelsea face partial stadium closure over alleged racist
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