LONDON: London’s Metropolitan Police Force announced Thursday they had launched an investigation after a Chelsea supporter was photographed apparently making a racist gesture toward a black Manchester United player.
The picture, published in several British newspapers, was taken during Chelsea’s dramatic 5-4 League Cup win over Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday and appeared to show a fan making a monkey gesture at striker Danny Welbeck.
“We have received a complaint into alleged racist behavior at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday,” a police spokesman said on Thursday. “No arrests have been made and enquiries are continuing.” The police’s move came after Chelsea had announced earlier Thursday that they were holding their own separate investigation into the incident and appealed for anyone who could identify the fan to contact the club.
“Chelsea FC is committed to removing all forms of discrimination and if we have sufficient evidence we will take the strongest possible action, including supporting criminal prosecution,” the club added in a statement.
The incident comes after Chelsea confirmed they had complained to the Football Association about “inappropriate language” used by referee Mark Clattenburg toward midfielder Jon Mikel Obi during Sunday’s Premier League defeat by United.
A similar complaint involving Spanish midfielder Juan Mata was dropped by the club.
However, police are investigating Clattenburg’s alleged comments to Mikel.
Chelsea captain John Terry is currently serving a four-match ban imposed by the FA for racially abusing Queens Park Rangers’ Anton Ferdinand during a match in October last year.
Earlier this year Chelsea banned for life a supporter who admitted racially abusing former player Didier Drogba.
Police investigate Chelsea fan’s ‘racist’ gesture
Police investigate Chelsea fan’s ‘racist’ gesture
Bangladesh board says ICC considering request to move their World Cup games from India
- Bangladesh cites security concerns amid strained ties with India as it seeks venue change for T20 World Cup matches
- ICC says it is engaging with Bangladesh board and reviewing request as part of tournament security planning
NEW DELHI: The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) said on Wednesday that the sport’s global governing body, the International Cricket Council, is considering their request to move their Twenty20 World Cup matches out of India over safety concerns.
Amid fraught relations between the two countries, Indian Premier League (IPL) side Kolkata Knight Riders said at the weekend that the country’s cricket board (BCCI) had told them to drop Bangladesh bowler Mustafizur Rahman.
Bangladesh’s interim government has since banned broadcasts of the IPL, and the BCB have refused to play their World Cup matches in India, which is co-hosting the February 7 to March 8 event with Sri Lanka.
Bangladesh are scheduled to play three World Cup matches in Kolkata next month.
“In its communication, the ICC has reiterated its commitment to ensuring the full and uninterrupted participation of the Bangladesh team in the tournament,” the BCB said.
“The ICC has conveyed its willingness to work closely with the BCB to address the concerns raised and has assured that the board’s inputs will be welcomed and duly considered as part of the detailed security planning for the event.”
The ICC and Indian board did not immediately reply to requests for comment from Reuters.
Some media reports have suggested the ICC, which is headed by former Indian board chief Jay Shah, had told Bangladesh they must play in India or forfeit the matches.
However, the BCB said reports of such an ultimatum were “completely false” and that it would work with the ICC to arrive at a solution that ensures their successful participation.
Tensions have risen in recent weeks between India and Bangladesh.
Hundreds protested near Bangladesh’s High Commission in New Delhi last month after a Hindu factory worker was beaten and set on fire in Bangladesh’s Mymensingh district over allegations he insulted the Prophet Muhammad.
