Anti-Semitic death threats have been sent to Chelsea boss
Avram Grant in a package containing a mysterious powder, police
have revealed.
The club's training ground at Cobham, Surrey, was sealed
off after a member of staff opened the package on Tuesday. A note
addressed to Grant claimed the powder was lethal.
A police source confirmed that the note to Grant, 52, included
the words: "You are a back-stabbing Jewish b******. When you open
this letter, you will die a very slow and painful death."
Death threats of a sexual nature were also made to Grant's wife,
Tzofit, a well-known television personality in the couple's native
Israel.
A spokesman for Surrey Police said: "We were called to Chelsea's
training ground at Cobham at 12.15pm on Tuesday after they received
a suspicious package.
"A white powder contained within the package was analysed by
specialists from Surrey Fire Service and was determined to be a
harmless substance.
"Detectives are continuing investigations to identify the source
of the package."
At the time, Grant and Chelsea were in Athens ahead of Tuesday
night's Champions League 0-0 draw with Olympiacos.
Chelsea said in a statement: "A suspect package was sent to
Chelsea's training ground yesterday. The required procedure for
dealing with such matters was immediately activated and the police
and other services were called to handle the situation.
"A harmless substance was discovered. The matter is still being
investigated."