Chelsea will investigate reports that Man City star Raheem Sterling was racially abused at Stamford Bridge during the Blues’ 2-0 victory on Saturday night.
Videos and pictures show a section of Chelsea fans hurling what is believed to be racist abuse at the England star during a pause in play when the winger was retrieving the ball.
A Chelsea spokesman has since stated, in quotes from football.london.com:
“We’re aware of reports and video footage. We will investigate the matter and take the strongest possible action where necessary.”
While the Met Police have said:
“We are aware of a video circulating online in which it is claimed racial abuse was allegedly directed at a player at a Chelsea v Manchester City game at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, December 8.
“We will review the footage to determine whether any offences have been committed.”
Former footballers, along with the wider sports community, have been quick to rally behind Sterling, with BT Sport pundit and former Man Utd defender Rio Ferdinand tweeting:
Are we going to continue to allow this type of racist behaviour go on??? All for kicking a ball
Arsenal legend Ian Wright said:
“The bad old days are back! Chelsea you have been shamed by this disgusting racist fan! absolutely no doubt about what he says. ?”
Whereas The Times journalist Matthew Syed said:
This guy, far right, blue jacket, glasses, screaming what looks like vile racial abuse. Kick him out @ChelseaFC @premierleague @kickitout. Does anybody know him? Not just awful for Sterling but other fans, not least the black guy behind him.
To which Jake Humphrey replied:
Hi @matthewsyed. Just been speaking to the production team. The footage is all over social media & we’ll make sure the relevant people are sent the footage directly from us. If indeed it is proved to be racist abuse then I hope it’s a lifetime ban. No place for it in this world.