Chelsea is upset over the racist insults of James defender ... "despicable behavior"
Chelsea, competing in the English Premier League, denounced the racist insults that defender Reyes James was subjected to via the Internet and called on social media platforms to take tougher measures against those who commit such "despicable behavior."
England player James posted a picture of the insulting messages he received via Instagram with the phrase "Things need to change".
"Everyone in Chelsea is disgusted by the racist insult that was directed at Reese James on social media on Friday evening," Chelsea of London said in a statement.
"The club considers racism and all forms of discrimination unacceptable behavior," the statement added.
Chelsea called on social media to create an environment that does not accept hate and discrimination and does not tolerate any such behavior.
The club also said, "We join our voices calling for social media platforms and regulatory authorities to take more effective steps urgently against this despicable behavior."
"There are things that need to change and that need to change now."
On Monday, British government ministers met with a number of prominent English players to discuss racist abuse directed at online players, as part of a series of discussions dealing with "the future of football."
Chelsea are eighth among the 20 Premier League teams, with 30 points from 20 matches, and will meet at home to Burnley on Sunday.
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