Chelsea to push for criminal convictions if any fan displays anti-Semitism

Chelsea have warned they will push for criminal convictions if any supporters engage in anti-Semitic behaviour when Tottenham Hotspur visit Stamford Bridge on Saturday evening.

Three fans, who were facing prosecution for using the y-word at Spurs matches in the autumn, had charges dropped the day before the Premier League meeting of the two London sides.

But the Blues vowed to come down hard on discriminatory behaviour ahead of the derby and issued a statement on their club website.

It said: "The support of both sets of fans will make for an excellent atmosphere, and we urge everyone to keep that support positive.

"For a small minority, this game also brings a deeply unpleasant and unwanted level of anti-Semitic abuse which has no place in football or anywhere in society.

"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.

"The Football Association reiterated in its directive announced last year that the use of the 'Y' word in football stadiums is unacceptable and could amount to a criminal offence, leaving those fans liable to prosecution and potentially a lengthy Football Banning Order.

"This is fully supported by Chelsea Football Club. The diversity at Chelsea is obvious to everybody, and a source of pride.

"The players on the field, the supporters in the stands, our staff, directors and owner (Roman Abramovich, who is Jewish) all illustrate our vision as a club which embraces equality, regardless of race, gender, sexuality or religion.

"We have worked hard to combat all forms of discrimination at Stamford Bridge. 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."

Will Milwall and other clubs follow on? There's still a level of nasty and thuggish yobs, no need for these on match days!

well its good that they plan to do something about that type of abuse, i bet it happens tho.

Its a good idea, as it shouldn't happen in the first place... i know fans get annoyed and sometimes things can go too far. But its good that clubs are starting to understand the problems before and after the games too.