Skip to content

Alvaro Morata chant condemned by Antonio Conte and Chelsea

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Chelsea head of communications Steve Atkins condemns 'anti-semetic' chanting by some Chelsea fans

Chelsea media chief Steve Atkins has labelled the Alvaro Morata chant used by the club's supporters as "abhorrent", "totally unacceptable" and confirmed police are investigating.

Atkins, alongside head coach Antonio Conte, made the address at Chelsea's Monday press conference ahead of their Champions League tie with Qarabag FK on Tuesday.

Morata opened the scoring for Chelsea in their victory over Leicester on Saturday, but the match was marred by the chant which contains an anti-Semitic reference to Chelsea's cross-city rivals Tottenham.

Stamford Bridge general view, Chelsea F, April 2015
Image: Atkins confirmed Chelsea are assisting the police with investigations

When asked, Atkins was adamant such chants must stop and said the club were willing to take the highest forms of punishment against fans such as bans and criminal prosecution.

"We made an initial statement after the game the other night and we are happy to repeat but also make clear that Chelsea Football Club finds all forms of discrimination abhorrent, and the language used in that song the other night we find totally unacceptable," said Atkins.

Antonio Conte gives his team instructions during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Everton
Image: Antonio Conte added he was in full agreement with the club's stance regarding the chant

"People that use this kind of language against others always try and argue a grey area. There is no grey area. That language used was anti-Semitic and we have a zero tolerance policy towards it.

"If there is there is evidence that season ticket holders or members took part in that and take part in it in the future then we will take the strongest possible action against them which includes bans.

Also See:

Tuesday's Super 6
Tuesday's Super 6

There's £250k up for grabs in this Tuesday's Super 6. Enter your predictions for free here.

"People should know that the police will be investigating and they will investigate all future such episodes, and we will support the police in anything that they do, assist their enquiries, and we will also support criminal prosecution of such behaviour and activity.

"We must be clear on this because it has to stop."

Conte added: "We are totally in agreement with the club. We must pay great attention.

"You know very well that I love our fans because they push us a lot during the game but I think we must pay great attention in the future."

Around Sky