Chelsea warn 'anti-Semitic' fans

LONDON, England (CNN) -- The chairman of Chelsea has accused elements among the club's supporters of subjecting new coach Avram Grant to anti-Semitic abuse.

The appointment of the Israeli, who replaced his popular Portuguese predecessor Jose Mourinho last month, prompted widespread protests among the London club's fans.

But chairman Bruce Buck, writing in Chelsea's match program on Saturday, said that comments by some fans went beyond "emotional debate."

"I have received many emails expressing your views about recent events. Most have been polite, but forthright and passionate," wrote Buck.

"But there have been a few (points of view) which could be viewed as racist and anti-Semitic and that must stop immediately. This is one thing we will not tolerate, whether in written correspondence, on the chat pages, on posters or banners or through singing and chanting.

"And it unfairly smears the reputation of the vast majority of Chelsea fans who rightly do not want to be associated with such activity."

Buck said Mourinho's departure -- following the most successful spell in the club's history including back-to-back English Premier League titles -- was mutually agreed after a "breakdown in relations" between coach and board.

Grant, a close friend of Chelsea's billionaire Russian owner Roman Abramovich and a former Israeli national coach, has endured a difficult start to his tenure at the west London club, losing to arch rivals Manchester United in his first game in charge and then watching his side held to a goalless draw by local neighbors Fulham.

He has also had to cope with injuries to key players including John Terry, Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba this season. E-mail to a friend

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