The flag featured an SS Totenkopf symbol
A photograph has emerged that appears to show travelling Chelsea fans holding a flag with Nazi imagery on it before of the side’s Europa League tie against MOL Vidi on Thursday.
The flag, which referenced the infamous Chelsea Headhunters hooligan firm, was held up outside a bar in Budapest.
It included the ‘Totenkopf’ symbol, a skull image associated with Nazis that was worn by the SS and the Panzer units of the Luftwaffe.
MOL Vidi – Chelsea 13.12.2018. Chelsea Headhunters en Hungría. #UEL pic.twitter.com/MPlf4qHYin
— Troublemakers España (@TroublemakersEs) December 13, 2018
The modified version of the Northern Irish flag also featured Scottish side Glasgow Rangers, and the Loyalist slogan “No surrender”.
The photograph appeared on social media, and was drawn attention to by The Guardian.
The club say they are confident the flag did not make it into Vidi’s Groupama Arena.
UEFA are already investigating reports that sections of the clubs’ supporters allegedly used anti-Semitic chants during their 2-2 draw with the Hungarian side. If found guilty, Chelsea could have Stamford Bridge partially closed for future games.
“Anti-Semitism and any other kind of race-related or religious hatred is abhorrent to this club and the overwhelming majority of our fans,” the club said in a statement following the announcement of UEFA’s investigation. “It has no place at Chelsea or in any of our communities.
“We have stated this loud and clear on many occasions from the owner, the board, coaches and players.
“Any individuals that can’t summon the brainpower to comprehend this simple message and are found to have shamed the club by used using anti-Semitic or racist words or actions will face the strongest possible action from the club.”
It came just days after Metropolitan Police investigated alleged racist abuse aimed at Raheem Sterling at Stamford Bridge, which led to the club suspending four men. Police are still investigating that footage to determine what was said by the men to Sterling.
In October, it was reported that Chelsea were considering replacing bans for supporters who commit racist abuse with sending them on educational trips to Auschwitz.
