Uefa were refusing yesterday to punish Chelsea because a racist incident involving their fans took place away from PSG’s stadium.

A group of Blues supporters were caught on video late Tuesday night pushing a black man off a crowded Paris Metro train and chanting: “We’re racist and that’s the way we like it.”

The video spread widely online and the club immediately released a statement condemning the actions of those involved.

But it was the inaction of Europe’s governing body which once again signalled their refusal to take racism seriously.

Uefa said in a statement: “Uefa condemns all forms of discrimination and we are appalled by the incident which took place in the Paris Metro on Tuesday.

“However, as it occurred away from the stadium, it is outside Uefa’s remit to act.

“It is a matter for the local authorities to investigate further and Uefa supports any action that is taken.”

Fifa president Sepp Blatter also addressed the issue of racism following comments by former Italy manager Sacchi Arrigo. Arrigo said on Monday that there were “too many players of colour,” in Italian youth teams.

Blatter said: “Pride and dignity is not a question of skin colour. Shocked by Arrigo Sacchi’s comments. Stop it,” before adding: “I also condemn the actions of a small group of Chelsea fans in Paris. There is no place for racism in football.”

Anti-racism group FARE chief Piara Powar believes the incident is part of a wider problem in football and pointed to racist comments made by prominent figures in the game.

He said: “We are seeing a lot of football leaders who are making racist comments.

“There’s a whole range of people in prominent positions in football who are making out and out racist comments. The comments by Arrigo Sacchi and before Sacchi we’ve had Carlo Tavecchio, Willy Sagnol, Dave Whelan, Malky Mackay. We’ve had John Terry, Luis Suarez.

“One feels that this is one of the things that keeps the link between racism and football alive.

“If these guys are prosecuted in a criminal court they might argue: ‘Well, we hear this going on at top level, why can’t we express similar sentiments?’”

Kick It Out chair Lord Ouseley demanded that Chelsea and other football boards stop being complacent about racist incidents.

“Clearly it sends out a strong signal to not only Chelsea but the whole of football, that you cannot be complacent and think the actions you’re taking are sufficient to deal with the scourge of racism, sexism, homophobia, anti-semitism.

“We’ve got to do a lot more and not be complacent.”