Ian Wright says Chelsea has 'been linked to racism for so long' and challenges club to 'act now'

Former Arsenal striker strongly critical after incident on the Paris Metro

File photo of former England footballer and ITV pundit Ian Wright, who is understood to have flown home from Brazil after his wife and children were burgled at knifepoint in London

Former Arsenal and England striker Ian Wright has blasted Chelsea to 'act now' over the Paris Metro incident that last night saw fans stop a black passenger boarding a train.

The shocking footage, which emerged last night on the Guardian, showed a group of Chelsea supporters repeatedly pushing a black man as he attempted to board a train on the Paris Metro.

The fans then started singing: "We’re racist, we’re racist, we’re racist – and that’s the way we like it, we like it".

Wright, 51, accused the club of being "linked to racism for so long" and called on them to act now.

Chelsea released a statement late last night that said they were shocked by the 'abhorrent' video and would move to ban those involved.

Wright tweeted: "Chelsea what you gonna do?Your club as been linked to racism for so long!What have you done?Put a couple of signs up in your ground? #ActNOW"

The club said in a statement: "Such behaviour is abhorrent and has no place in football or society. We will support any criminal action against those involved, and should evidence point to the involvement of Chelsea season ticket holders or members the club will take the strongest possible action against them including banning orders."

Uefa is aware of the video but said they are unable to take any action as the incident took place away from the stadium.

"Uefa condemns all forms of discrimination and we are appalled by the incident which took place in the Paris Metro on Tuesday," read a statement. "However, as it occurred away from stadium, it is outside UEFA’s remit to act. It's a matter for local authorities to investigate further."