A group of fans of the English soccer club Chelsea were filmed forcibly blocking a black man from entering a subway train in Paris.
The video, recorded by an onlooker and provided to the Guardian on Tuesday, shows the white fans violently shoving the unidentified subway rider as he attempts to squeeze into the train, while chanting “We’re racist. We’re racist. And that’s the way we like it.” A black woman is seen backing away from the commotion.
According to Paul Nolan, the British man who recorded the scene, the fans also referenced World War II in their chants.
Club officials were quick to condemn the incident. “Such behaviour is abhorrent and has no place in football or society,” read a statement. “We will support any criminal action against those involved, and should evidence point to involvement of Chelsea season-ticket holders or members the club will take the strongest possible action against them, including banning orders.”
Paris prosecutors have also announced a probe looking into the video.
The shocking footage comes as a separate video surfaced earlier this week of Arrigo Sacchi, Italy’s former soccer coach, complaining there were “too many colored players” playing for Italian teams. Sacchi has since said his comments were misunderstood and the product of the media “always looking for scoops.”
As for Chelsea, the team has been dogged by racist allegations for decades. In 2011, captain John Terry was accused of calling a black player a “fucking black cunt.” European soccer in general is notorious for such abuse.
The UEFA also condemned the Chelsea supporters, but said because it occurred inside the Paris Metro and not the stadium any disciplinary action could not be taken.
“We are appalled by the incident which took place in the Paris Metro on Tuesday,” officials said in a statement. “However, as it occurred away from the stadium, it is outside UEFA’s remit to act.”
