Chelsea FC Condemns 'Abhorrent Anti-Semitic' Chants During Europa Game

© AP Photo / Matt DunhamIn this file photo dated Saturday, Dec. 19, 2015, Chelsea soccer club owner Roman Abramovich sits in his box before the English Premier League soccer match between Chelsea and Sunderland at Stamford Bridge stadium in London. Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich has received Israeli citizenship after his British visa has not been renewed. An Israeli Immigration and Absorption Ministry official says the Chelsea soccer club owner arrived in Israel Monday and was granted citizenship in accordance with an Israeli law granting that right to people of Jewish descent
In this file photo dated Saturday, Dec. 19, 2015, Chelsea soccer club owner Roman Abramovich sits in his box before the English Premier League soccer match between Chelsea and Sunderland at Stamford Bridge stadium in London. Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich has received Israeli citizenship after his British visa has not been renewed. An Israeli Immigration and Absorption Ministry official says the Chelsea soccer club owner arrived in Israel Monday and was granted citizenship in accordance with an Israeli law granting that right to people of Jewish descent - Sputnik International
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Chelsea FC say fans who sang an anti-Semitic chant about Tottenham fans during the club's 2-2 draw with Hungary on December 13 in Budapest.

In a statement, a club spokesperson said anti-Semitism and all other racial or religious bigotry was "abhorrent" to the club and "the overwhelming majority" of its fans.

"Any individuals that can't summon the brainpower to comprehend this simple message and are found to have shamed the club by used using anti-Semitic or racist words or actions will face the strongest possible action from the club," the spokesman added.

UEFA is awaiting the referee's report before deciding on whether any action should be taken.

Press Association journalist Matt McGeehan said the chanting could be heard clearly in the stadium.

"It was very early in the match. It was a chant Chelsea supporters have done in the past and references Tottenham supporters using the 'y' word, the anti-Semitic derogatory word about Jewish people. I understand Chelsea are angry from the top to the bottom of the club — the very top actually because owner Roman Abramovich is Jewish," he said.

Re-Education Initiative

Sweden's goalkeeper Robin Olsen, right, makes a save against England's Raheem Sterling during the World Cup quarterfinal soccer match between Sweden and England at the Samara Arena, in Samara, Russia, July 7, 2018 - Sputnik International
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In October, club chairman Bruce Buck suggested fans found guilty of anti-Semitic abuse may be compelled to visit the site of Auschwitz, rather than being banning. A group of 150 Chelsea club staff, stewards and supporters visited the infamous concentration camp in June to learn about the deaths of over a million people killed there 1940 — 1945.

The club's 'Say No to Anti-Semitism' scheme began in January, and provides one-on-one education courses.

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