Chelsea have issued a plea to fans to keep their support 'positive' in Sunday's Capital One Cup final against Tottenham amid worries of potential anti-Semitic chanting.
Tottenham have long historical links to London’s Jewish community and the Blues admit that fixtures between the clubs have “historically brought a deeply unpleasant and unwanted level of anti-Semitic abuse” from a “small minority”.
The issue of anti-Semitism against Spurs came back to the fore this week when a video filmed by a passenger on the London Underground appeared to show West Ham supporters chanting anti-Semitic songs before Sunday’s 2-2 draw at White Hart Lane.
And Chelsea have stressed that any supporter found to be taking part in discriminatory chanting on Sunday will be dealt with severely.
“Sunday’s Capital One Cup final against Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley promises to be a passionate and exciting match with both sets of supporters contributing to an excellent occasion,” a statement on the Blues’ official website read.
“After consultation between the Metropolitan Police and both clubs, we would like to remind supporters of their responsibilities on the day.
“For a small minority, this game has historically brought a deeply unpleasant and unwanted level of anti-Semitic abuse, which has no place in football or anywhere in society. As such, we urge everyone to keep their support positive.
“Opposition supporters using terms as a form of identity is no excuse for abusive chanting or behaviour. The club asks that all supporters realise such actions cause huge offence to those around them.
“If we receive evidence that supporters have engaged in anti-Semitic or any other form of discriminatory chanting or behaviour, we will take the strongest possible action, including supporting criminal prosecution.”
Chelsea fans have been in the spotlight since the club banned five supporters from Stamford Bridge following an incident which saw a a black commuter pushed off a Paris Metro by fans who chanted a racist song ahead of the Blues’ Champions League clash with Paris St Germain.
“Recent events in Paris have seen Chelsea fans united in their contempt for a mindless few,” the statement continued.
“Chelsea is proud of the diversity within our club and our vision embraces equality regardless of race, gender, sexuality, disability or religion. We all share the common cause of supporting our team.”
