• Champions League

Paris Saint-Germain facing racism probe

Paris Saint-Germain could face a partial closure of the Parc des Princes if fans are found guilty of a racial offence © Getty Images

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Paris Saint-Germain have been called before UEFA's disciplinary commission over allegations of racism by their fans at last month's Champions League clash against Chelsea.

The allegations concern "racism, other discriminatory conduct and propaganda'' during the first leg of their quarter-final defeat. PSG won the match in Paris 3-1 but went on to lose the tie on away goals.

The alleged offences include "racism, other discriminatory conduct and propaganda" according to a statement released by UEFA.

According to reports, the match was preceded by clashes between rival supporters on the streets of Paris, with Chelsea fans reportedly chanting racist abuse and making Nazi salutes while a group of around 100 PSG ultras targeted travelling fans.

A report on the website of Paris newspaper Le Parisien indicated that a group of disabled Chelsea fans had filed a complaint after objects including chewing gum and a bottle were thrown at them during the game at the Parc des Princes.

UEFA's disciplinary regulations specify a minimum sanction of a partial stadium closure for a club found guilty of a first offence of racist abuse by their supporters, while a second offence is punished with a match played behind closed doors and a fine of €50,000.

"Any subsequent offence is punished with more than one match behind closed doors, a stadium closure, the forfeiting of a match, the deduction of points or disqualification from the competition," reads Article 14 of UEFA Disciplinary Regulations.

"If the circumstances of the case require it, the competent disciplinary body may impose additional disciplinary measures on the member association or club responsible, such as the playing of one or more matches behind closed doors, a stadium closure, the forfeiting of a match, the deduction of points or disqualification from the competition."

A UEFA panel will rule on the matter on July 17 and announce their decision before the end of the month.

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