Chelsea faced Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League last night, but ugly scenes in the build up to the game rather than what took place on the pitch have been making headlines today.

A video obtained by The Guardian showed a group of fans chanting "Chelsea", and refusing to let a passenger on board the train at the Richelieu-Drouot station in Paris, as well as shouting "we're racist and that's the way we like it".

The footage shocked many, and has been greeted with a tough stance both from the club themselves as well as the French police, with the latter assigning a particular branch that specialises in football hooliganism to the case, and promising that if they find the culprits they would face at least three years in prison and a fine of €45,000. As for Chelsea, they released a statement in which they promised to assist investigators both in Paris and London, where the Metropolitan Police have also become involved: "Such behaviour is abhorrent and has no place in football or society. We will support any criminal action against those involved and, should evidence point to involvement of Chelsea season-ticket holders or members the club, will take the strongest possible action against them, including banning orders."

This morning, FIFA President Sep Blatter tweeted his condemnation of the incident, while UEFA also issued a statement condemning it, although admitting that due to it taking place outside the stadium, they would be powerless to act. 

According to reports, before action can be taken by the police they will need to find both those responsible for the crime, who are visible in the footage, as well as the victim, but they are hopeful that action can be taken against all those involved.

Via The Guardian