Police investigate new reports of racist chants from Chelsea fans on train
British police have launched an investigation after reports of racist and abusive behaviour from Chelsea fans on a train from London to Manchester on Sunday night.
British Transport Police (BTP) said they were called to meet the train as it entered Stoke station, and asked four men to leave the train.
Four others left of their own accord.
BTP are now examining mobile phone footage obtained from a witness of the alleged incident.
A Chelsea spokesman later said: “We're not aware of any evidence to suggest that these were Chelsea supporters. But if they are we will assist the British Transport Police with their enquiries.”
It follows an alleged racist incident involving Chelsea supporters on the Paris Metro last month ahead of the club's Champions League last 16 first leg clash with Paris St Germain.
That incident is still being investigated by British and French authorities.
A British Transport Police spokesman said: "Shortly after 10.30pm on Sunday, March 1, officers were called to meet a Euston-to-Manchester Piccadilly train at Stoke, following reports of racist and abusive behaviour by a number of passengers, said to be football fans.
"Colleagues from Staffordshire Police also attended. Officers asked four men to leave the train at Stoke. We have spoken to two witnesses, and investigations continue.
"Rail passengers and staff have the right to travel and work in peace. Abusive behaviour on trains and at stations is unacceptable, and we will not hesitate to investigate any such incidents."
The latest incident occurred after Chelsea beat Tottenham 2-0 to win the Capital One Cup at Wembley on Sunday.
Chelsea reacted swiftly to the incident on the Paris Metro and can be expected to take similarly strong action should any of those involved in the latest incident be found to have a connection with the club.
Chelsea suspended five supporters following their own investigation into the Paris Metro incident, when a commuter, identified in media reports as French-Mauritian Souleymane S, was blocked from boarding a train by fans travelling to the Parc des Princes for the Champions League match on February 17.
Footage captured by a bystander appeared to show Souleymane being pushed back on to the platform amid chants of "we're racist, we're racist and that's the way we like it".
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho said he was "ashamed" by the events in Paris, while owner Roman Abramovich was said to be "disgusted".
The Blues were "appalled by what we saw", branding the incident as "unforgivable" and declaring that "the people involved do not represent Chelsea football club".
