LONDON — Chelsea announced Thursday it had launched an investigation after a supporter was photographed apparently making a racist gesture toward a black Manchester United player. The picture, published in several British newspapers, was taken during Chelsea's dramatic 5-4 League Cup win over Manchester United at Stamford Bridge Wednesday and appeared to show a fan making a monkey gesture at striker Danny Welbeck. This latest issue came after Chelsea confirmed Chelsea had complained to the Football Association about “inappropriate language” used by referee Mark Clattenburg towards midfielder Jon Mikel Obi during Sunday's Premier League defeat by United. A similar complaint involving Spanish midfielder Juan Mata was dropped by the club. But while London's Metropolitan Police are investigating Clattenburg's alleged comments to Mikel, they have not, as yet, inquired into the supporter's apparent gesture. — Agencies
