Audio By Carbonatix
Chelsea have issued a plea to fans to keep their support 'positive' in Sunday's Capital One Cup final against Tottenham amid worries of potential anti-Semitic chanting.
Tottenham have long historical links to London's Jewish community and the Blues admit that fixtures between the clubs have "historically brought a deeply unpleasant and unwanted level of anti-Semitic abuse" from a "small minority".
The issue of anti-Semitism against Spurs came back to the fore this week when a video filmed by a passenger on the London Underground appeared to show West Ham supporters chanting anti-Semitic songs before Sunday's 2-2 draw at White Hart Lane.
Chelsea have stressed that any supporter found to be taking part in discriminatory chanting this weekend at Wembley will be dealt with severely.
"Sunday's Capital One Cup final against Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley promises to be a passionate and exciting match with both sets of supporters contributing to an excellent occasion," a statement on the Blues' official website read.
"After consultation between the Metropolitan Police and both clubs, we would like to remind supporters of their responsibilities on the day.
"For a small minority, this game has historically brought a deeply unpleasant and unwanted level of anti-Semitic abuse, which has no place in football or anywhere in society. As such, we urge everyone to keep their support positive.
"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.
"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."
Chelsea fans have been in the spotlight since the club banned five supporters from Stamford Bridge following an incident which saw a a black commuter pushed off a Paris Metro by fans who chanted a racist song ahead of the Blues' Champions League clash with Paris St Germain.
"Recent events in Paris have seen Chelsea fans united in their contempt for a mindless few," the statement continued.
"Chelsea is proud of the diversity within our club and our vision embraces equality regardless of race, gender, sexuality, disability or religion. We all share the common cause of supporting our team."
Latest Stories
-
GPL 2026/27: Medeama ease past Basake Holy Stars
7 minutes -
Appiah Adomako writes: Why DVLA must stop treating every expired licence holder as delinquent
10 minutes -
Localization must transfer decision-making power, not just project responsibilities
19 minutes -
Modernising Ghana’s traditional markets through the 24-Hour Economy markets initiative
22 minutes -
New economy will boost local production and create jobs – Finance Minister
28 minutes -
Real-Time VAT on cross-border digital services – not a new tax and does not violate double taxation principle
1 hour -
Digitalisation, AI key to Ghana’s tourism transformation – GHATOF
1 hour -
Stronger GTA-private sector partnership needed to grow tourism – GHATOF
2 hours -
Amazon eyes Ghana for broadband expansion after talks with Mahama
2 hours -
National Investment Quiz 2026: Six schools qualify for quarter-finals
3 hours -
‘Do not let Russia pay for its madness with lives of your people’ – Zelensky to Ghana, 46 other countries
3 hours -
6,079 promotion cases fully processed and paid – CAGD says amid nationwide teachers’ strike
3 hours -
Teacher unions to meet government Monday over nationwide strike
4 hours -
Photo story: Republic Bank-JoyNews Habitat Fair clinic wraps up after three days of housing solutions, expert engagement
4 hours -
National Peace Council urges investment in youth to sustain Ghana’s peace
4 hours