March 12 – Five men are to appear in court in connection with the racist abuse by Chelsea fans prior to the Champions League first-leg last-16 game against Paris St Germain last month.
The incident when a black man was prevented from boarding the Paris Metro sparked widespread condemnation and prompted Chelsea to ban five supporters.
A group of the London club’s fans were captured on video also singing racist songs including the lyrics “We’re racist, we’re racist and that’s the way we like it.”
The victim, known as Souleymane S., said the incident had “destroyed” him and made him afraid to take public transport.
British police said the five men will appear in court on March 25 “regarding a police application for football banning orders”.
Chelsea invited Souleymane S. to attend Wednesday’s second-leg game against PSG but he turned them down. The Premier League leaders were eliminated on away goals after a 2-2 draw.
Football banning orders can be issued by British courts following a conviction for a football-related offence and can last for between three and 10 years.
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