Maurizio Sarri says tackling racism is a “fight against stupid people” following further allegations of racist chanting by Chelsea fans during the 2-1 win at Watford.
A minority of the away end were reported to have been heard shouting discriminatory remarks during the Boxing Day clash at Vicarage Road.
It follows other incidents from some Blues supporters in December, with Manchester City forward Raheem Sterling allegedly being targeted by racist abuse at Stamford Bridge while Uefa is investigating alleged anti-Semitic chanting during a Europa League game in Hungary.
Blues boss Sarri believes racism remains a problem in society and is not confined to supporters of his club.
“First of all I want to speak with my club, second I don’t want to generalise because 99 per cent our fans are really wonderful,” replied Sarri when asked about the issue.
“In every community, I think there are some stupids.
“And so altogether we have to fight against the stupid people but not against the Chelsea fans.”
Eden Hazard’s double secured victory for Chelsea as they returned to winning ways following Saturday’s shock home defeat to Leicester.
Roberto Pereyra volleyed the hosts level less than three minutes later but Hazard, once again deployed as a false nine, converted the second-half winner from the penalty spot after he was brought down by Foster.
The result moves Chelsea back into fourth place in the Premier League and, afterwards, Sarri put Hazard in a similar bracket to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
“Of course, he’s very important for us but (Lionel) Messi’s very important for Barcelona, Cristiano Ronaldo’s very important for Juventus,” said the Italian.
“He is a very great player. He’s able to play in every position, at the moment he is playing like a false number nine and he is very able to play in that position.
“He is very able to come to play with team-mates, he is very able to open spaces for team-mates. I think he can play very well in every position.”
This post was last modified on 27/12/2018