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RACE ROW: A Chelsea fan is alleged to have directed a monkey gesture at Man U's Danny Welbeck (pictured)

CHELSEA FC are investigating a photograph that appears to show a fan making a monkey gesture towards Manchester United striker Danny Welbeck during a Capital One Cup match last night.

The game comes three days after two sides faced each other at Stamford Bridge for Sunday's controversial 3-2 win for United.

Their second meeting proved just as thrilling as the first, with Chelsea winning 5-4 in extra time.

But this morning a picture emerged which appears to show one supporter making a racist gesture.

In a statement, the club said: "Chelsea Football Club can confirm we are investigating an incident involving a member of the crowd at last night's game against Manchester United.

"The club will be examining all available footage and asks anyone who can identify the individual to contact the club.

"Chelsea FC is committed to removing all forms of discrimination and if we have sufficient evidence we will take the strongest possible action, including supporting criminal prosecution."

The Met has been made aware of the claims, but has not received a formal allegation.

On Sunday, referee Mark Clattenburg sent off Branislav Ivanovic and Fernando Torres for Chelsea, and was later accused of using "inappropriate language".

The Gosforth official is alleged to have told midfielder Jon Obi Mikel “Shut up, you monkey”.

Chelsea bosses withdrew claims that Clattenburg also called Juan Mata a “Spanish t**t” during the tense encounter.

Clattenburg, 37, insists he is innocent and is considering his legal position.

Earlier this year, Chelsea issued a life time ban for a supporter who admitted racially abusing former player Didier Drogba.

Club captain John Terry is currently serving a four-match ban after being found guilty by the FA of racially abusing QPR defender Anton Ferdinand.

In June, Liverpool fan Phillip Gannon, 58, was banned from Anfield for four years after making a monkey gesture at Manchester United's Patrice Evra.

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