Chelsea settle historical racist abuse case brought by four ex-youth players

Chelsea have settled a High Court case brought by four former youth-team players over alleged historical racial abuse.

The PA news agency understands each player will receive a six-figure sum after the London club opted to mediate directly with those involved, showing an acceptance of the wrong-doing of previous regimes.

The ex-players had sought damages for personal injury and loss over claims they were “subjected to a barrage of disgracefully offensive racist abuse” from two members of the Premier League club’s youth coaching staff in the 1990s.

Lawyers for the men claimed Chelsea were “vicariously liable” for abuse they faced when aged between 14 and 18, which they alleged was committed by former youth-team coach Graham Rix and Gwyn Williams, who was director of youth development at the time.

Their cases were due to go to trial but a settlement has now been reached, a High Court judge was told at a pre-trial review hearing at the Royal Courts of Justice on Monday morning.

David McClenaghan, representing the men, told the court: “I’m pleased to let you know that a successful settlement agreement has been achieved between the parties.”

Mr Justice Sweeting congratulated lawyers on settling the case, adding: “The only thing to do this morning is to vacate the trial.”

One of the men previously alleged in court documents that he faced “repeated and persistent bullying and harassment” involving “deliberately offensive racist insults” by Williams and Rix.

He claimed he was punched, kicked, and had hot coffee poured over his head during the alleged abuse, which he said caused him “great distress and upset”.

It is understood Rix denied all allegations while Williams, who it is believed denied any physical assault allegations,