Both Chelsea and the police have launched investigations into allegations Raheem Sterling was racially abused during Man City’s 2-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge on Saturday evening.
The depressing footage below shows a small group of middle-aged Chelsea fans giving Sterling an earful while he collects the ball from behind the goal, with the pinkest, angriest man seen mouthing “you black c**t” as he screams in impotent rage.
— Ian Wright (@IanWright0) 8 December 2018
According to Mirror journalist John Cross, the Chelsea stewards were quick to leap into action and deal with the situation (in the flimsiest, most pathetic manner possible)…
Also in this video verdict… the abuse shouted at Raheem Sterling. The disgusting, hate filled individual screamed at Sterling. Stewards finally came to eject him and he pointed to his watch to ask to watch the end of the game. They let him. Incredible https://t.co/wbcNTyQdzo
— John Cross (@johncrossmirror) 8 December 2018
The most shocking aspect is the sheer brazenness. Those fans knew there’d be cameras on them and yet the racist gobshite obviously still felt secure enough to spew his idiotic diatribe at the top of his voice. Kudos for Sterling for managing to blank it out, or at least not being visibly wobbled.
Chelsea have since promised to identify the fans responsible and “take the strongest possible action where necessary” while the Met Police have also stated that they are “aware of the video” and are currently in the process of reviewing it.
Only the most severe consequences can suffice. This vile behaviour must not be allowed to become the norm at football matches again, or anywhere else for that matter.