Fans warned three times about ‘racist behaviour’ at Spurs-Chelsea match
Written by News on 23/12/2019
Tottenham Hotspur has begun an investigation after fans were warned three times about racist behaviour at their home Premier League match against Chelsea.
Blues defender Antonio Rudiger appeared to report racist chanting from Spurs fans in about the 63rd minute.
Spurs forward Son Heung-Min had been sent off for violent conduct against Rudiger shortly beforehand.
Later, in the 80th minute, referee Anthony Taylor brought both sides’ captains together after Rudiger gestured that he was still being abused.
It is the latest in a string of racist incidents at England international and English league football matches.
On Sunday afternoon, supporters were warned over a loudspeaker: “Racist behaviour among spectators is interfering with the game.”
They were also told: “Please remember that there is no room for racism in football.”
The announcements were made at 10-minute intervals.
Taylor implemented FIFA’s protocol for dealing with discrimination in games.
Tottenham said it was “conducting a thorough investigation” and vowed to take the “strongest possible action, including stadium bans”.
It added: “Any form of racism is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated in our stadium.”
Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta said: “Antonio came to me and said there had been racism towards him so I told the referee.”
Azpilicueta said he was “concerned” about such behaviour, adding: “We have to stop it. We have to eradicate it as there’s no place for it in football and in life.”
Chelsea manager Frank Lampard said his club “absolutely want the right procedure because we don’t want to see that sort of stuff”.
He added: “My understanding is there was a racist comment or gesture.”
Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho said he “saw nothing”.
He added: “I saw the referee follow the protocol – he came to Andre Marriner (fourth official), he came to me and Frank Lampard and told us what was happening.
“The protocol was followed. Every club is together on this situation and of course we are disappointed.”
Chelsea won the match 2-0 – Willian scoring both goals.
In October, six Bulgaria fans were arrested after the country’s match against England in Sofia had to be stopped twice due to racism.
(c) Sky News 2019: Fans warned three times about ‘racist behaviour’ at Spurs-Chelsea match
