2 Mar 2015

Police investigate alleged racist abuse from Chelsea fans

Police ask football fans to leave a train travelling from London to Manchester after allegations of racist abuse from several people onboard.

British Transport Police said they were called to meet a train travelling from London to Manchester on Sunday evening after complaints of racist abuse from several passengers.

As the train entered Stoke station, four men were asked to and four others left of their own accord.

The football fans were said by passengers to be Chelsea fans and police have launched an investigation into the indicent, but have not confirmed the affiliation of the fans or the nature of the alleged abuse.

“Rail passengers and staff have the right to travel and work in peace,” the police said. “Abusive behaviour on trains and at stations is unacceptable, and we will not hesitate to investigate any such incidents.”

British Transport Police are examining mobile phone footage obtained from a witness.

Chelsea had been celebrating winning the League Cup trophy after beating Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 at Wembley.

Racist abuse

The west London club has been hit by other racism incidents among its fans over recent weeks.

In February Chelsea fans were filmed on the Paris Metro shouting racist chants and refusing to allow a black man on to a train carriage after their Champions League game against Paris Saint-Germain.

As a result, the club suspended five supporters.

Another group of fans returning from Paris were heard shouting racist chants at London’s St Pancras station.