Arsenal have condemned a group of fans who were filmed allegedly making monkey gestures towards PSG players as they boarded their team bus following Tuesday’s Champions League semi-final first leg.
PSG proved to be the better side on Tuesday night as they defeated Mikel Arteta’s side. However, in a video that has circulated online, five individuals were filmed shouting, beating their chests and scratching their armpits as if imitating monkey gestures.
According to RMC Sport, the chants were directed at several members of the PSG squad as they passed by the fence they were standing behind. Arsenal have now released a statement condemning the actions of the men in the strongest possible terms.
A spokesperson told Mirror Football: “We strongly condemn all forms of racism and discrimination. We are working to identify the individuals in the video and we will take the strongest possible action.”
According to Le Parisien, PSG are looking to initiate legal proceedings over the incident. Hermann Ebongue, secretary general of SOS Racisme, confirmed the next steps they will look to take in response.
He said: “The club does not intend to let this slide. We will contact the English authorities and the Arsenal club to identify the perpetrators. And we will initiate legal proceedings with PSG.”
Arsenal could face action over the incident from UEFA.
The governing body’s disciplinary body will assess reports before deciding on any potential next steps. Last year, Barcelona were fined €25,000 by UEFA for “racist behavior by its fans” after supporters were filmed making Nazi salutes and shouting monkey chants at PSG fans at the Parc des Princes.
