Victims urged to come forward by Kick It Out amid Chelsea racism allegations

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James Olley22 March 2018

Kick It Out chair Lord Herman Ouseley has urged any other victims or individuals with information to come forward after Chelsea were at the centre of fresh racial abuse allegations.

An ex-youth team player filed claims of racial abuse against former coach Gwyn Williams, alleging the trouble started soon after he joined Chelsea as a 13-year-old in 1979 and continued until he left six years later.

Although the then-teenager signed a professional contract, he quit Chelsea due to a lack of self-confidence and Williams making him "feel physically sick", according to legal papers delivered to the club.

Lawyers representing the former player, now 51, have accused Chelsea of failing to protect him or doing enough to stop racism. It is also alleged that Chelsea did not make available an individual or separate body for reporting inappropriate behaviour.

Ouseley told Standard Sport: "We are now in an era where it is hoped exposure can bring justice through thorough, independent and expeditious investigations. I urge any other victims or anyone with further information regarding the allegations to come forward."

A statement from Chelsea read: "We are absolutely determined to do the right thing, to fully support those affected, assist the authorities and support their investigations."

In claims first reported by The Guardian, Williams is alleged to have used a wide range of discriminatory names. Chelsea are already facing legal claims from three former youth-team players involving Williams and youth team coach Graham Rix during the 1990s.

Solicitor Eddie Johns, who represents both Williams and Rix, said: "In relation to the Guardian newspaper report yesterday our client Gwyn Williams knows nothing of the alleged claim against Chelsea Football Club and can make no comment concerning it. Mr Williams repeats his denial of all and any allegations of racial or other abuse and has no further comment to make."

Johns added Williams and Rix had co-operated with a police investigation, which decided not to take action.

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