Chelsea Suspend Four Supporters For

By Nigel Phillips

Chelsea have suspended four of their supporters for allegedly abusing Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling when the two sides met at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

Maurizio Sarri’s Blues crashed Pep Guardiola’s Citizens’ Premier League unbeaten run with a 2-0 win, and one of the talking points was some alleged racial chants supposedly targeted at the versatile English player.

Chelsea, in a statement published on their website, revealed four persons have been found culpable and consequently been suspended from attending games at the Bridge, pending further investigations.

“Chelsea Football Club have suspended four people from attending Chelsea matches pending further investigations into allegations regarding the behaviour of supporters towards Raheem Sterling during our match against Manchester City."

“Our investigations into this matter are ongoing. We are fully supporting the police investigation and any information we gather will be passed on to them."

“Chelsea Football Club finds all forms of discriminatory behavior abhorrent and if there is evidence of ticket holders taking part in any racist behavior, the club will issue severe sanctions, including bans. We will also fully support any criminal prosecutions.”

Manchester City and the Professional Footballers Associations have also issued out separate releases, commending Chelsea for taking the step and pledging to support the club in the inquiry.

“Manchester City FC welcome Chelsea FC’s decision to issue suspensions to the individuals who verbally abused Raheem Sterling during the match at Stamford Bridge on Saturday,” City’s statement reads."

“Raheem has made a stand by speaking out and we stand shoulder to shoulder with him against the discrimination of which he speaks,” said Simone Pound, the PFA’s head of equality and diversity, in a statement.

“We all have a part to play in tackling racism and discrimination and certain sectors of the media must be held to account.”

“We have been aware for a few months of the targeting Raheem faces in the press, it is evident that he is often singled out and treated more harshly than his colleagues.”