Chelsea
boss Maurizio Sarri has urged fans to bring a complete end to chants of an
anti-Semitic nature ahead of their match with Tottenham.
Blues fans have been under the spotlight in recent weeks after a number of
high-profile incidents including a derogatory chant about Spurs supporters,
featuring alleged anti-Semitic language, at a Europa League match in Hungary
last month.
The two teams will meet on Tuesday in the first leg their Carabao Cup
semi-final tie at Wembley.
Chelsea have adopted a zero-tolerance policy and officials and supporters
from both clubs met last week to discuss stewarding and policing at Wembley.
"I think we need the support of our fans of course. But we would like to
have their support for us, not against the opponents," said Sarri.
The Chelsea Supporters' Trust on Sunday posted an article on the group's
website reporting the experiences of two Jewish supporters, a mother and
son, who discussed hearing anti-Semitic abuse at Stamford Bridge.
The son, known as Jack, said: "It has definitely got worse in recent
seasons. It is a bit stupid and short-sighted though, especially as our
owner, Roman Abramovich, is Jewish.
"It is ridiculous that it is that aspect, with Tottenham or whoever, that
someone would pick on."
Last January Chelsea launched the 'Say No to Anti-Semitism' campaign and in
2010 joined with anti-discrimination group Kick It Out to "try and rid the
game of the Y-word".
However, the waters are muddied by the fact Tottenham supporters use the
Y-word in large numbers at matches.
Last week the World Jewish Congress and the Board of Deputies of British
Jews urged Spurs to take a stand against its use.
Yet the club maintain the term is not meant to cause offence, with a
spokesman saying: "We remain wholly committed to ensuring that a
zero-tolerance position is adopted in respect of anti-Semitic behaviour."
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