Skip to content

Police believe Chelsea fans sexually assaulted, racially abused train passengers

Jordan Mansfield / Getty Images Sport / Getty

British Transport Police (BTP) are searching for around 20 people believed to be Chelsea supporters accused of sexual assault and shouting racist chants on a train.

"Detectives are appealing for witnesses after it was reported a large group of football fans sexually assaulted passengers and were racially abusive on board a train from London to Worcester," BTP's statement read.

"On 22 December a group of around 20 football fans boarded the 6.22pm Great Western Service from London Paddington and began to chant racially abusive comments in front of families and children," Tuesday's statement continued. "They were also seen to sexually assault a number of women on board the train."

The BTP's investigation comes as Chelsea are embroiled in a series of conduct issues surrounding fans. Four Blues supporters were banned after video surfaced of fans allegedly shouting racial obscenities at Manchester City's Raheem Sterling, one fan was banned for using homophobic chanting, and three others were spoken to by police after anti-Semitic songs were reported on a train during a trip to Brighton. The club has also promised sanctions and the "strongest possible action" after a vocal minority of fans sang anti-Semitic chants in Budapest during a Europa League fixture with MOL Vidi.

Both Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri and Eden Hazard have publicly implored supporters to consider their conduct during Tuesday's League Cup semifinal clash with Tottenham. Among the extra measures taken, the two London clubs have met with Scotland Yard. As a result, they will employ at least 100 extra uniformed ­officers inside Wembley Stadium and surrounding train stations, and Chelsea club stewards.

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox