Chelsea FC have moved to distance themselves from American radio broadcaster Steven Cohen after a series of comments he made about the Hillsborough disaster.
In February the London-born DJ used his radio phone-in World Soccer Daily to attack Liverpool supporters after the Anfield club asked UEFA if they could move the date of their Champions League quarter final so that it did not clash with the 20th anniversary of the tragedy in Sheffield which cost 96 supporters their lives.
During the outburst, Cohen claimed that Liverpool fans had made themselves the victims of 'a tragedy of their own doing' and described them as 'scum of the earth'. Following his outburst, US-based Reds supporters have lobbied sponsors of the football talk show to withdraw with over 50% pulling out of their deals with the franchise, despite Cohen's refusal to take back his comments.
Despite claiming to be a Chelsea fan, the West London club have refused to recognise Cohen as a Blues' supporter in light of his comments.
Gareth Mills, spokesman for Chelsea FC, said: “We have distanced ourselves and will continue to distance ourselves from any comments that disrespect the memory of Hillsborough.
“We can see no benefit of giving him legitimacy by the club singling him out. Giving Mr. Cohen oxygen is the worst thing we could do.
"He is not a representative, nor ever has been a representative of the club. We have some 90 million fans worldwide and cannot account for every fan’s opinion.”
Dave H, Chicago, IL around 7 months, 2 weeks ago