Former Chelsea players seek compensation for alleged racism

 

The west London club, who have launched a series of anti-racism initiatives in recent years, including last week when players knelt at training, is being represented by Law firm Keoghs.

 

London firm Bolt Burdon Kemp stated, "Although they have posted support for racial equality, they steadfastly refuse to acknowledge the systemic issues ingrained into the culture of the football club."

 

A Barnardo's investigation last August outlined a dossier of "normalised" abuse and widespread racism at Chelsea in the 1980s and 1990s. Between 1999 and 2003, Gwyn Williams (former academy director) became responsible for child protection at Chelsea. The report says many former youth players came forward to describe how Black players were greeted with monkey noises on their first days at the club, and said he presided over a culture of fear.

 

The report's authors paint a bleak picture of "unchallenged" racism across the entire game during the 1980s.

 

The Barnardo's report suggested youth players believed Williams was "protected" by his links with former chairman Ken Bates and Graham Rix. Both Williams and Rix have previously strongly denied allegations that they racially abused Stamford Bridge youth players. 

 

Lawyers said that cases relating to four victims are being prepared for trial in the High Court in early 2022. One of the victims bringing a damages claim has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder

 

Chelsea previously commented that, "We are doing, and will continue to do, everything we can to ensure that those boys, girls, men and women who play for this club – and indeed anyone who works for or with the club – will never have to endure the terrible experiences which these young players suffered."

 

Mandy Peters Solicitors 

Lewisham 

020 8297 4414