Chelsea fans ‘are worst for hate jibes’

ONE IN four football fans has witnessed racist incidents at a match – with Chelsea said to be the worst offenders.

Researchers were told by 41 per cent of Blues supporters they had seen fellow supporters being racist at a home game.

More than a quarter of Manchester United fans (28 per cent) said they had seen vile abuse, followed by Liverpool (25 per cent), Arsenal (19 per cent) and Tottenham Hotspur (18 per cent).

Chelsea was also top for the most racist incidents experienced by both home and away fans, followed by Millwall, Rangers, Liverpool and Celtic, according to a survey by sports site Free Super Tips.

Spokesman Jake Apperley said: “The survey shows a number of concerning issues that continue at matches across the country.

Violence

“Fan experiences at football games are painting a negative picture, with a number of Premier League clubs seeing racism, homophobia, violence and drug abuse taking place in the grounds.”

A third of UK supporters saw violence from fans at matches, including 56 per cent of Stoke fans.

Nearly 40 per cent of Crystal Palace supporters have seen violence towards other fans, followed by Burnley, Derby and Huddersfield Town on 38 per cent, and Millwall and Cardiff at 33 per cent.

And 30 per cent of supporters insist that Millwall is the worst club for violence, followed by Chelsea (14 per cent), Liverpool (3 per cent), Leeds United (3 per cent) and Rangers (3 per cent).

Chelsea has vowed to take the maximum action after striker Tammy Abraham was racially abused following a match against Liverpool.

The club said: “Chelsea FC finds all forms of discriminatory behaviour unacceptable.

“It has no place at this club and where there is clear evidence of Chelsea season ticket holders or members involved in such behaviour, we will take the strongest possible action.”