Arsenal vow to take action after fans filmed aiming alleged racist abuse at PSG stars

Arsenal have condemned a group of fans who were filmed allegedly making monkey gestures towards players as they boarded their team bus following Tuesday's semi-final first leg. In a video that has circulated online, the five individuals were filmed shouting, beating their chests and scratching their armpits as if imitating monkey gestures.

, the chants were directed at several members of the PSG squad as they passed by the fence they were standing behind. have now released a statement condemning the actions of the men in the strongest possible terms.

A spokesperson told : “We strongly condemn all forms of racism and discrimination. We are working to identify the individuals in the video and we will take the strongest possible action.”

According to Le Parisien, PSG are looking to initiate legal proceedings over the incident. Hermann Ebongue, secretary general of SOS Racisme, confirmed the next steps they will look to take in response.

He said: "The club does not intend to let this slide. We will contact the English authorities and the Arsenal club to identify the perpetrators. And we will initiate legal proceedings with PSG."

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The incident came after Arsenal were defeated by the Ligue 1 champions in the first leg of their final four clash. Ousmane Dembele scored the only goal of the game just four minutes in when he swept the ball home from the edge of the box.

PSG would go on to dominate the early stages, with pulling off an impressive save from Desire Doue. Arsenal were eventually able to turn the tide, but were unable to find a way past PSG keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.

He saved well from Gabriel Martinelli and either side of half-time, while Arsenal also saw Mikel Merino's header from a free-kick ruled out for offside. PSG did have late chances to extend their lead, but substitute Bradley Barcola shot wide and Goncalo Ramos hit the bar.

The return leg will be held at the Parc des Princes in Paris next Wednesday. Arsenal could face action over the incident from UEFA.

The governing body's disciplinary body will assess reports before deciding on any potential next steps. Last year, were fined €25,000 by UEFA for "racist behavior by its fans" after supporters were filmed making Nazi salutes and shouting monkey chants at PSG fans at the Parc des Princes.

Arsenal have previously taken strong action against any fan found to be committing discriminatory behaviour. The Gunners banned 24 supporters last season for such actions.

At the time, managing director Richard Garlick said: “Abuse and discrimination will not be tolerated. We will continue to take strong action alongside our partners such as the Met Police against this abhorrent behaviour.

“We know it’s a small minority, but that won’t stop us from taking action against abusers who are identified as Arsenal season ticket holders or members, and escalating to the police where appropriate.

“Our aim is to create an environment at Arsenal where everybody feels welcome. We hope continued action serves as a deterrent for those using abusive, threatening, and discriminatory language.”