Soccer fans in racism row after ‘pushing black man off train’ in Paris

The Chelsea Football has condemned the behavior of soccer fans who prevented a black man getting on a train in Paris as “abhorrent.” A video shows the commuter trying to board a metro train at Richelieu-Drouot station in the French capital. A group of supporters are seen shouting and gesturing at the man and chanting “Chelsea, Chelsea, Chelsea,” before pushing him onto the platform as he tries to step into the carriage. When he tries again to board the train, the man points to a space where he could stand but is pushed back as he steps forward.

Such behaviour is abhorrent and has no place in football or society.

Chelsea Football Club statement

They are believed to have been travelling to the Parc des Princes stadium for Chelsea’s Champions League game against Paris St Germain on Tuesday night, which ended in a 1-1 draw. British expatriate Paul Nolan, who filmed the incident on his phone and posted it on The Guardian’s website, said: “He was obviously completely shocked when they pushed him off.” Kick It Out chairman Lord Ouseley said the anti-discrimination body would support any prosecutions. English media reports said it was unclear whether the club could be punished by the football authorities over the incident.

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