Chelsea
have warned fans to behave for their Carabao Cup semi-final second leg
against Tottenham in light of recent anti-semitism and discriminatory
incidents.
Chelsea face Spurs at Stamford Bridge on Thursday night - live on Sky Sports
Football - as Mauricio Pochettino's side look to defend their 1-0 lead from
the first leg earlier this month.
Last week, UEFA opened disciplinary proceedings against Chelsea after the
alleged racist behaviour of their fans during their Europa League match
against MOL Vidi in Hungary in December.
Since then, Chelsea fans groups have joined forces to launch 'Chelsea
Together' to help stamp out discrimination from the stands.
Ahead of the Blues' last-four meeting with Spurs, an official club statement
read: "We expect a lively and passionate encounter at Stamford Bridge with
everybody getting behind the team as we seek to book our place in the final.
"As before the first leg at Wembley two weeks ago, we would like to remind
our fans of their responsibilities in keeping support positive.
"A small minority of Chelsea supporters have historically used matches
against Tottenham to use anti-semitic chanting, noises and gestures,
including the Y-word, offering the justification of opposition fans using
terms as a form of identity.
"The club has repeatedly made our stance on this clear - there is no place
for such behaviour at Chelsea Football Club.
"Last month, Chairman Bruce Buck wrote an open letter to supporters
following unsavoury incidents, with the club's position supported by the
World Jewish Congress and the Board of Deputies of British Jews.
"They stated: 'The word yid has for years been re-appropriated from its
original Yiddish to carry a distinctly pejorative and anti-semitic message,
and its use by fans in the stands, either as a self-designated nickname or
as a slogan against rivals must not be tolerated in any way.'
"We wholeheartedly welcome the formation of the independent #ChelseaTogether
initiative, which aligns several fan groups to oppose all forms of
discrimination in and around our club. The project is evidence that the vast
majority of Chelsea supporters want to see such behaviour kicked out of the
game.
"We urge everybody to show their support in the right way on Thursday and do
their bit to help the Blues reach yet another major final.
"Supporters can report any discriminatory or anti-social behaviour either to
a steward, or text anonymously to 07894 93 77 93. Please note the stand, row
and seat number of the person, as well as their appearance, height and
build.
"After the game, you can ring Chelsea on 0207 386 3355, text 07894 93 77 93
or email buildingbridges@chelseafc.com.
"You can also contact Kick It Out on 0800 169 9414 or via their smartphone
app."
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