Chelsea boss Villas-Boas appeals for FA Cup calm

Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas has appealed for calm ahead of next weekend's potentially volatile FA Cup clash against QPR as his club was embroiled in a new race storm.

Next week's fourth round tie at Loftus Road will be played with memories of the two teams' Premier League clash on October 23 still raw after Chelsea skipper John Terry was accused of racially abusing QPR defender Anton Ferdinand.

Terry, who denies the allegations, is set for a hearing at a London court on February 1.

"Regarding the fans, it is our responsibility as a club to calm the situation around the game and also to put on a message for the media as you can do excellent work in calming things down and everyone can have an impact for just another game of football," said the Chelsea boss.

The manager's appeal came ahead of confirmation that claims a group of Chelsea fans were involved in racist chanting on a train back from the club's 0-0 draw at Norwich on Saturday are being investigated.

Chelsea have vowed to take action against any fans proved to be involved in racist chanting.

A statement on the club's official website, www.chelseafc.com, read: "Chelsea Football Club is concerned to hear that a small number of fans travelling back by train from Norwich were alleged to be involved in racist chants and comment.

"We are working to help the relevant authorities identify those responsible and will take the strongest possible action should these allegations prove to be true.

"The club, like the overwhelming majority of our fans, strongly believe that all forms of discrimination are abhorrent and have absolutely no place in society."