Chelsea FC suspended three fans from attending the club's Stamford Bridge stadium on Thursday as part of the Premier League team's investigation into a racist action on the Paris Metro.
A commuter who is black was pushed back by some of Chelsea fans travelling to the Parc des Princes for the 1-1 Champions League last 16 first leg against Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday.
A chant of "We're racist and that's the way we like it" followed from the Chelsea fans and was clearly audible on a video of the incident at the Richelieu-Drouot Metro station.
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| scene of the incident |
Chelsea FC has however responded to widespread condemnation of the incident by announcing three of its supporters had been identified and have been suspended, pending further investigation.
This action by the club prevents those supporters from attending Saturday's Premier League match with Burnley at Stamford Bridge, which has been designated a 'Game for Equality'. The fans may likely face life bans if they are found guilty.
"Chelsea Football Club is suspending 3 supporters from Stamford Bridge as a result of investigations into the incident on the Paris Metro on Tuesday evening," a statement on the club's website reads.
"If it is concluded there is sufficient evidence of their involvement in the incident, the club will issue banning orders for life.
"We have received substantial information to date following our witness appeal and we are grateful to the many Chelsea fans who have provided information so far.
"Our investigations are still on-going and we would request any further information is sent to customer.services@chelseafc.com.
"We also continue to give our full co-operation to the Metropolitan and Paris police forces who lead the ongoing criminal investigation."
The supporters' action were also condemned by British Prime Minister David Cameron, FIFA president Sepp Blatter and anti-racism groups Football Against Racism in Europe and Kick It Out.
Chelsea FC first ever black player, Paul Canoville, said he was "embarrassed" and "ashamed" by the incident.
Prior to revealing the suspensions, Chelsea has already released a statement describing the incident as "abhorrent" and promised to take the "strongest possible" action if supporters are found to be involved.
Paris prosecutors had earlier confirmed that the pushed victim, identified in media reports as 33-year-old Souleymane S., had made a formal complaint.
French authorities are working closely with their British counterparts and anyone convicted of "deliberate racial violence on public transport" could face a prison term of up to three years and a fine of up to €45 000.
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