THIS IS JUST what the club needed, right?

Chelsea have this afternoon vowed to investigate an alleged racist gesture from one fan at Stamford Bridge, during the Blues’ game against Manchester United last night.

Roberto di Matteo’s side won a thrilling League Cup tie 5-4 after extra-time, just hours after they confirmed they’d lodged an official complaint against referee Mark Clattenburg.

The London club say Clattenburg used ‘inappropriate language‘ with midfielder John Obi Mikel during the defeat to United in the Premier League at the weekend.

But after di Matteo last night urged the media to concentrate on the exciting football his side are playing, several newspapers published a picture which seems to show a fan making a ‘monkey’ gesture towards a United player.

Police are also aware of the photograph but have not yet received a formal allegation on which to open a criminal investigation.

A statement from the club reads: “Chelsea Football Club can confirm we are investigating an incident involving a member of the crowd at last night’s game against Manchester United.

“The club will be examining all available footage and asks anyone who can identify the individual to contact the club. Chelsea FC is committed to removing all forms of discrimination and if we have sufficient evidence we will take the strongest possible action, including supporting criminal prosecution.”

Earlier this year Chelsea banned for life a supporter who racially abused striker Didier Drogba.

Club captain John Terry is currently serving a four-match ban after being found guilty of racially abusing QPR defender Anton Ferdinand by the FA.

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