Chelsea fan gets lifetime ban for 'racially abusive language' in Man City game
- A Chelsea supporter has been banned for 'racially abusive language' during their tie against Man City game
- Five other Blues fans were also suspended temporarily
- Chelsea insist the six fans sanctioned "crossed the line of what is acceptable"
Premier League giants Chelsea have handed a fan lifetime ban for using "racially abusive language" during their match against Manchester City at Stamford Bridge, on December 8.
According to BBC report, five other fans were also suspended for using "abusive language and threatening and aggressive behaviour".
Interestingly, Police probed allegations that Man City forward Raheem Sterling was racially insulted in the course of the during the game, but the Crown Prosecution Service claim they were not enough evidence to pursue a criminal charge
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On their part, Chelsea undertook their own investigation, but had to delay decision reached in order not to prejudice police probe.
Chelsea insist the punishments were handed out opting for civil standard of proof not criminal.
"While the club respects the decision of the CPS, the question it had to determine was not whether a criminal offence had been committed, but rather whether the individual acted in breach of the ticketing terms and conditions," a Chelsea statement read in part.
Meanwhile, Chelsea added they also sought representations from the fans concerned, reviewed video evidence, questioned possible witnesses as well as seeking advice from two lip-reading professionals.
"All individuals sanctioned as a result of our investigation were then offered the right to appeal and, where applicable, those appeals have been heard,” the club’s statement noted, even as the Blues stressed the six fans "crossed the line of what is acceptable".
Five other fans were given bans ranging from one and two years respectively.
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"Individuals receiving the shorter exclusion did so on the basis that they have provided undertakings about their future behaviour," said the club.
"Chelsea finds all forms of discriminatory behaviour abhorrent and we will continue to operate a zero-tolerance approach to any incidents of racism."
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Source: YEN.com.gh
