Chelsea issue statement over racist abuse aimed at youngsters as Uefa hit opponents with £4,379 fine

Additionally, Uefa has mandated that Qarabag's youth side must host their next European competition fixture without spectators.

This sanction remains suspended for 12 months from the date of the ruling.

Chelsea released a comprehensive statement condemning the abuse.

The club wrote: "'We are proud of the way our players and staff responded to the incident on the pitch, swiftly reporting it to the referee, and commend those for dealing with the matter professionally and appropriately in line with Uefa protocols.

"Chelsea Football Club is immensely proud of the diversity within our team and across our entire club and will continue to work with Uefa to ensure that those responsible for discriminatory behaviour in football are held accountable."

The Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body confirmed the measures after reviewing the match referee's report detailing the incidents.

The incident unfolded in the 57th minute when striker Sol Gordon, aged 17, found the net for Chelsea.

As Gordon celebrated near a section of home supporters, witnesses reported hearing monkey noises and observing discriminatory gestures from at least one individual in the crowd.

Ukrainian referee Dmytro Kubriak halted proceedings after Chelsea's players alerted him to the abuse.

Both coaching staffs, including Blues head coach Calum McFarlane, engaged in discussions in the technical area whilst the match remained suspended for several minutes.

Following the stoppage, play resumed and Chelsea completed a comprehensive 5-0 victory, with Jesse Derry scoring twice and additional goals from Mheuka and Frankie Runham.

Uefa's statement confirmed: "To fine Qarabağ FK Youth €5,000 and to order Qarabağ FK Youth to play its next one Uefa competition match as host club behind closed doors, for the racist and/or discriminatory behaviour of its supporters."

The governing body specified that the behind-closed-doors sanction would be "suspended during a probationary period of one year, starting from the date of the present decision."

The €5,000 penalty equates to approximately £4,379.

Uefa's disciplinary panel reached their verdict after examining evidence from the match officials and awaiting the referee's formal report before determining appropriate sanctions.

Qarabag issued an apology following the incident.

They said: "We are sorry about this incident. It does not reflect the values of our club.

"We will investigate it thoroughly."

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