Benayoun signed for Chelsea in July 2010
Chelsea have complained to
the Malaysian FA about what they believe was racist abuse directed at
Yossi Benayoun during last week's friendly.
The 31-year-old Israeli was jeered each time he touched the ball in a match against a Malaysian XI on 21 July.Chelsea said: "We believe Yossi was subjected to anti-semitic abuse by a number of supporters at the game.
"Such behaviour is offensive, totally unacceptable and has no place in football," added a club statement.
Agency reports from the match in Kuala Lumpur said the abuse directed at Benayoun - one of the few Israelis to have played in Malaysia, a country which does not recognise Israel - was anti-semitic.
Chelsea said they did not complain at the time because they
were uncertain about the reason for the abuse, but having reviewed the
match have now decided it was racist.
"The club did not make representations at the time as it was
initially unclear as to the nature of the abuse Yossi received, as
several players from both teams experienced similar treatment, sometimes
louder and longer," said Chelsea."However, having taken time to consider the issue fully, it has become apparent that a formal complaint was necessary.
"Our stay in Malaysia was, on the whole, a very positive experience for all the team travelling on the pre-season tour.
"It is a shame, therefore, that the behaviour of a minority of supporters is also a memory we take away."
Chelsea have one more match left on their Asian tour - against Aston Villa in Hong Kong on July 30 - before they return to England.
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