18.02.2015

“We’re racist and that’s the way we like it”

Video footage has emerged showing Chelsea fans stopping a black Parisian from boarding a Paris Métro carriage moments before a Champions League match with Paris Saint-German, and then celebrating their self-declared racism with a song.

In the amateur video, obtained by the Guardian, the man repeatedly tries to get on the crowded carriage but is pushed off by the group of fans. Moments after the same group of people can be heard singing: “We’re racist, we’re racist and that’s the way we like it.”

The incident was filmed by the British expatriate Paul Nolan, who was at the Richelieu-Drouot tube station at the time of the incident. Interviewed by the BBC, Nolan described the incident as an ”ugly scene” and “very aggressive” and stressed that other chants mentioning the World War Two were also heard.

“I was just completely appalled by it and that’s why I tried to catch some of it on my phone, although I was a bit self-conscious as it was getting quite aggressive and I overhead one of the Chelsea fans say something about stabbing someone. I think he was referring to a Paris Saint-Germain supporter who was on the platform.” added Nolan.

'Abhorrent behaviour'
The video has caused outrage and shock in the UK with many people questioning the progress made in tackling racism in football and questioning what can be done.

Following the incident, Chelsea FC strongly condemned the group of supporters caught on video.

A Chelsea FC statement read: “Such behaviour is abhorrent and has no place in football or society. We will support any criminal action against those involved, and should evidence point to involvement of Chelsea season-ticket holders or members the club will take the strongest possible action against them, including banning orders.”

The French police have opened an investigation and the Metropolitan Police have said it would assist French authorities to identify the people involved and support them in any action they chose to take.

“We will examine the footage with a view to seeing if we can apply for football banning orders, preventing people from travelling from future matches,” a spokesman said.

Tim Rolls, of the Chelsea supporters’ association, also condemned the incident. He said: “We, the supporters’ trust, condemn the chanting and we support what the club have said about it. It is half a dozen people. I haven’t seen an incident of that type for decades in football. It is a great shame that it happened and it can never be justified or defended.”

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