Chelsea fans face new racism probe

Police have launched an investigation after reports of racist and abusive behaviour from Chelsea fans on a train from London to Manchester on Sunday night.

British Transport Police said they were called to meet the train as it entered Stoke station, following Chelsea’s 2-0 win over Spurs in Sunday’s League Cup Final, and asked four men to leave the train.

Four others left of their own accord. According to reports emanating on social media, one black man is said to have walked off the train in reaction to the racism, while the supporters were said to have asked two young Asian girls where their burkas were, as well as singing songs about Tottenham fans and Auschwitz.

A British Transport Police spokesman said: “Shortly after 10.30pm on Sunday, March 1, officers were called to meet a Euston-to-Manchester Piccadilly train at Stoke, following reports of racist and abusive behaviour by a number of passengers, said to be football fans.

“Colleagues from Staffordshire Police also attended. Officers asked four men to leave the train at Stoke. We have spoken to two witnesses, and investigations continue.

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

The incident follows an alleged racist incident involving Chelsea supporters on the Paris Metro last month ahead of the club’s Champions League last 16 first leg clash with Paris St Germain. That incident is still being investigated by British and French authorities.