Chelsea vows life ban for racists

Chelsea Football Club has suspended three people from its Stamford Bridge ground following investigations into an apparent racist incident on the Paris Metro.

It also vowed to ban for life anyone confirmed to have been involved in the incident on Tuesday.

Supporters could be heard chanting “We’re racist and that’s the way we like it” and “Where were you in World War Two?” and pushing a black man off a metro train before the game against Paris St-Germain (PSG).

In a statement, the club said: “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.”

Prosecutors in Paris have confirmed the alleged victim, Souleymane S, has made a formal complaint.

He told a French newspaper that those responsible needed to be “punished”.

The 33-year-old told Le Parisien he initially did not understand the supporters’ chants of “We’re racist and that’s the way we like it” as he does not speak English.

He said: “I understand they were attacking me because of the colour of my skin.

“I live with racism. I was not really surprised by what happened to me, even if it was a first in the subway.

“I intend to talk to anti-racism organisations. These people, these English fans, must be found and punished ... What happened should not go unpunished.”