Chelsea Football Club has apologised “unreservedly” to the man racially abused by a group of Chelsea supporters in Paris earlier this week.
“We were appalled by what we saw,” a statement from the club said.
“The club would also like to apologise unreservedly to Souleymane for the behaviour of a small number of individuals and their unforgiveable actions towards him.
The club yesterday suspended three individuals from Stamford Bridge pending an investigation into the incident, and today said “should evidence show that they are guilty in that incident then the club will ban them for life.”
“The people involved in that incident in Paris do not represent Chelsea Football Club,” the statement continued.
“They do not stand for the values of this club and they have no place at this club. This has been echoed loud and clear by the vast majority of Chelsea supporters.
“We are a club that is proud of its diversity. We work extremely hard in the game and in our communities to promote equality and fight discrimination of all forms.”
Following the reading of the statement at a press conference today, manager Jose Mourinho told reporters:
"We feel ashamed but maybe we shouldn't because I refuse to be connected with these people.
"I felt ashamed when I knew what happened, but I repeat I'm a proud Chelsea manager because I know what this club is."
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