Chelsea probed by Uefa over racism allegations during Europa League clash at Vidi

The European game's governing body have decided to open proceedings against the Blues after anti-Semitic chants were sung during the Europa League match against Vidi last week.

Furious Chelsea bosses blasted their own supporters for bringing shame on the club in a stinging statement immediately after the match, which ended in a 2-2 draw for Maurizio Sarri's side.

Chelsea, whose owner Roman Abramovich is Jewish, slammed the “abhorrent” conduct of those involved.

The added: “Any individuals that can't summon the brainpower to comprehend this simple message and are found to have shamed the club by used using anti-Semitic or racist words or actions will face the strongest possible action from the club.”

But the Blues are now facing the prospect of being ordered to close part of Stamford Bridge if Uefa decide to issue a stinging punishment.

If their investigation finds the club guilty, they could order either partial closure of Stamford Bridge or a ban on travelling supporters for their last 32 clash with Malmo.

Uefa said: “According to Article 31 (4) of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations, UEFA has today announced that it has commissioned an Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector to conduct an investigation in relation to the alleged racist incidents that occurred at last week’s UEFA Europa League group stage match between Vidi FC and Chelsea FC played on 13 December in Hungary.

“Information in respect to the results of this investigation will be made available by the middle of January.”

Chelsea's assistant manager Gianfranco Zola insisted there is little anyone at the club can say until the know the outcome of the probe.

He said: "“We are still talking about an investigation, so it's very difficult to say anything about that. We don't want to get into the middle of that.

"We will see what happens and then, obviously, we can comment upon that.”

The Uefa inquiry comes after the club were left reeling by the behaviour of some of their fans who allegedly racially abused Manchester City striker Raheem Sterling.

And the club have been hit by more bad news after it emerged police are now investigating allegations of historical racial abuse by staff towards youngsters in their youth system.

Metropolitan Police offers have spoken with a former member of staff and two ex-players over the claims of a "culture of bullying" which was said to have been in place in the 1980s and 1990s.

A Chelsea spokesperson said: “We take allegations of this nature extremely seriously and they will be fully investigated.

"We are absolutely determined to do the right thing, to assist the authorities and any investigations they may carry out, and to fully support those affected, which would include counselling for any former player that may need it.”

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