The Blues traveled to Azerbaijan for their most recent game in the current season’s UEFA Youth League tournament, where they faced FK Qarabag U19s.
According to reports from the area, approximately 100 people attended the match at the Azərsun Arena, with Qarabag supporters positioned behind the net where Chelsea scored their first goal.
Chelsea teenagers ‘racially abused’ by Qarabag supporter
A representative for Chelsea stated: “We are conscious of an occurrence that took place during today’s Uefa Youth League match in Azerbaijan, in which a number of our players were exposed to racist remarks from a person in the audience after scoring.
“Racism and all types of prejudiced conduct are completely unacceptable and have no place in football or in society. We firmly denounce the actions of the person in question.
“Our players have the complete backing of everyone at the club, and we have immediately reported the matter to the Uefa match delegate and the home club.
“We anticipate a comprehensive investigation into this situation under Uefa’s disciplinary guidelines.”
After speaking with the coaching personnel and players from both sides, referee Dmytro Kubryak allowed the game to proceed, and Chelsea scored four more goals in the final half-hour.
Jesse Derry, a forward who scored twice in as many minutes shortly after the game was stopped, received a warning from Kubryak for celebrating in front of the home fans in a way that was seen as provocative.
Qarabag quickly responded to the claims of abuse, stating: “We regret this occurrence. It does not reflect the principles of our organization. We shall look into it thoroughly.”
Nurlan Ibrahimov, Qarabag’s former press officer, allegedly made ‘inflammatory and discriminatory’ remarks about Armenians on social media in November 2020 during the conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia.
Following the remarks, UEFA gave Ibrahimov a lifetime ban from all football-related activities and fined Qarabag €100,000, which the club unsuccessfully contested.
Chelsea and Qarabag players had posed together with a ‘Football For All’ banner before the game.
