Chelsea fans are once again at the center of a transport related race investigation after an incident of racial abuse on a train from London to Manchester was reported.
British Transport Police were called to meet the train at Stoke-on Trent, and four men were forced to leave the train. The other passengers claim they were Chelsea supporters.
“Shortly after 10.30pm on Sunday, March 1, officers were called to meet a Euston-to-Manchester Piccadilly train at Stoke, following reports of racist and abusive behaviour by a number of passengers, said to be football fans,” a spokesman for London Transport Police stated.
“Colleagues from Staffordshire Police also attended. Officers asked four men to leave the train at Stoke. We have spoken to two witnesses, and investigations continue.
“Rail passengers and staff have the right to travel and work in peace. Abusive behaviour on trains and at stations is unacceptable, and we will not hesitate to investigate any such incidents.”
It is believed that the men were verbally attacking 2 Asian girls, one of whom was reportedly left in tears.
“It was horrendous,” a witness told The Daily Mail. “They were Chelsea fans and they were being nasty and offensive. One passenger, a black man, moved carriages because he was disgusted with them. One girl was crying. The police got on and marched them off the train.”
The incident is the third in a torrent of racist attacks by Chelsea fans on public transport, the first of which took place in Paris. Souleymane, S was prevented from entering the Metro train because a group Chelsea fans refused to let him on. The attackers also chanted racist remarks at the unassuming French-man, who was simply trying to get home to his wife and kids.
The second incident took place the next day, this time at London’s St Pancras station when more Chelsea fans decided to chant racist slogans outside the international station.
Police are still investigating both incidents.
“We’re not aware of any evidence to suggest that these were Chelsea supporters,” a spokesman for Chelsea FC said. “But if they are we will assist the British Transport Police with their enquiries.”
