Chelsea officially suspends suspected racist fans, to be permanently banned if found guilty

Chelsea have suspended fans suspected of the Paris Metro racism incident

Chelsea have come out swiftly in response to the racism incident on the Paris Metro, where Chelsea fans can be seen pushing a black commuter off a metro train repeatedly and singing, “We're racist and that's the way we like it.” The club decided to suspend three supporters after it ran its own internal investigation.

The Blues released a statement on Thursday night, saying three supporters have been identified and suspended, pending further investigation.

The suspension comes to effect immediately and they will not be able to attend Saturday’s Premier League game against Burnley, which has been designated as a “Game for Equality.” If the supporters are found guilty after further probe, they are set to face life bans.

Chelsea’s official statement on racist fans

The Blues’ statement read, “Chelsea Football Club is suspending three people from Stamford Bridge as a result of investigations into the incident on the Paris Metro on Tuesday evening.

“If it is deemed there is sufficient evidence of their involvement in the incident, the club will issue banning orders for life. We have received substantial information to date following our witness appeal and we are grateful to the many Chelsea supporters who have provided information so far.

“Our investigations are on-going and we would request any further information is sent to [email protected]. We also continue to cooperate fully with the Metropolitan and Paris police forces who lead the ongoing criminal investigation.”

Prosecutors from Paris confirmed that the victim from the video, identified as Souleymane, has come forth to file a formal complaint.

The French authorities are working with the British to bring the perpetrators to justice and anyone convicted could face a prison term of up to three years and a fine of up to €45,000.