Blues may escape action over chants

02 November 2011 11:17

Chelsea look set to avoid action over their fans' taunting of Anton Ferdinand during Tuesday night's Champions League game at Genk.

UEFA confirmed on Wednesday that neither their match delegate nor referee Svein Oddvar Moen made any mention in their reports of the abuse levelled at QPR defender Ferdinand by Blues fans during the 1-1 Group E draw at the Cristal Arena. Were the officials to have alleged the chanting was of a racist nature, UEFA's disciplinary unit would have been forced to look into the matter.

European football's governing body said they could still do so should "any other piece of evidence of such chanting be made available", even though it would appear to be difficult to prove categorically that Tuesday night's taunts were racially motivated.

Some of the Chelsea's travelling contingent were clearly heard singing, "Anton Ferdinand, you know what you are", during the 1-1 draw at the Cristal Arena.

The fans appeared to be attempting to show support for captain John Terry, who is now under police investigation over allegations he racially abused QPR defender Ferdinand during last month's west London derby, something he denies.

Chelsea were forced to condemn the chanting, saying: "It was wholly inappropriate and we don't condone it."

Possible UEFA sanctions for racist chanting include fines and forcing clubs to play matches behind closed doors.

Source: PA