Chelsea have requested that Blues fans stop singing “unacceptable” chants about new signing Alvaro Morata. The announcement comes as the FA confirmed it is to investigate reports of antisemitic language during the side’s 2-1 victory away at Leicester this weekend.
The club-record signing has proved popular with Blues fans since his £60 million arrival from Real Madrid this summer, with the 24-year-old forward finding the net three times, and setting up two goals, in his first four league appearances for Chelsea. The Spain international once again scored with his head in the clash at the King Power Stadium this weekend, with his 41st-minute goal proving crucial as the Blues repelled a Leicester fightback in the second half to cling on for victory.
While Morata’s exploits have understandably found him favour with the Stamford Bridge faithful, one particular chant about the former Real and Juventus man heard during the Leicester game is alleged to have included antisemitic language in relation to London rivals Tottenham. Understandably, Chelsea were quick to react following the match, with the club issuing the following statement less than an hour after the final whistle:
“The club and the players appreciate the fans’ passionate support away from home. But the language in that song is not acceptable at all… [Morata] not want to be connected with that song in any way and both the club and the player request the supporters stop singing that song with immediate effect.”
Despite the Blues’ attempts at distancing themselves from the minority of fans responsible for the chant, they could still find themselves in hot water; reports today suggest that the FA is due to launch an investigation into the incident tomorrow morning, while football’s anti-discrimination watchdog Kick It Out has issued a statement condemning the “disgusting behavior” exhibited by a minority of fans. The latter did, however, praise Chelsea’s swift response to complaints.
Meanwhile, Morata himself took to Twitter to thank the Blues’ fans for their passionate support but urging them to show respect to all other supporters.
Since I arrived, I have been able to feel your support every single day, you are amazing and I’d like to ask you to please respect everyone!
— Álvaro Morata (@AlvaroMorata) September 9, 2017
Header image: Alvaro Morata by Brian Minkoff (CC BY-SA 4.0)
