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Zero-tolerance fan policy set for QPR-Chelsea match

Comment: 0 January 26th, 2012

AN OFFICIAL statement from both Queens Park Rangers and Chelsea teams declared that no patience will be extended to misbehaving fans as the two outfits meet in an expectedly tense FA Cup match Saturday.

The game will see Chelsea captain John Terry face QPR’s Anton Ferdinand, who accused the skipper of racially abusing him during a Premier League match last October.

Authorities reportedly fear a potential explosion between the fans of the two clubs as the match reignites the tension between the two teams.

In response to this, both clubs announced that any foul or discriminating language coming from either side will result in disciplinary action.

“We have discussed the issues surrounding this weekend’s FA Cup fourth round tie at Loftus Road and we are both in total agreement that abuse and discrimination have no place in football or society,” declared the statement.

“Both clubs enjoy fantastic support.  However, we would remind fans that while we want to hear their passion, it’s a fact that hatred and abuse is not what being a fan of QPR or Chelsea is about.

“The clubs will work together with the police to ensure that anyone using discriminatory or inflammatory language is identified and that the strongest possible action is taken against them.”

The statement then continued to call for a clean game worthy of the sport.

“Let’s make Saturday’s match a celebration of football,” it urged.  “A local derby is always a special occasion and this weekend’s FA Cup tie is a unique chance to show the world that hatred has no place in our game, our clubs or our communities.”

Reports indicate that the punishment for anyone caught using foul language could include a ban from Loftus Road, where the match is set to be held, and possibly a ban from Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge.

It is also said that a hotline will be made available to any supporter who wants to report any abuse.  They can also approach authorities available during the match should they witness any foul play.

Incidents of taunting have occurred in the past between supporters of either team.  One incident involved a Chelsea fan heard saying “Anton Ferdinand, you know what you are” during a Champions League match in Belgium.

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