Police interview person under caution following alleged racist abuse of Raheem Sterling

British police have interviewed a person under caution following the alleged racist abuse of Raheem Sterling during Manchester City’s defeat by Chelsea earlier this month.

The incident involving the 24-year-old occurred at Stamford Bridge on December 8 during City’s 2-0 defeat.

“Police continue to investigate an incident where is it is claimed racial abuse was directed at a player during the Chelsea v Manchester City game at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, 8 December,” a spokesman for London’s Metropolitan Police said.

“Officers are reviewing footage and CCTV to determine whether any offences have been committed.

“Officers are in possession of the details of those reportedly involved – there have been no arrests at this time. One person has been interviewed under caution.”

Chelsea suspended four supporters following the incident pending further investigations.

In a strongly-worded statement, the club threatened severe sanctions, including bans, saying they would “fully support any criminal prosecutions”.

One of the men who had been identified told the Daily Mail newspaper he was ashamed of his behaviour, but denied using racist language towards Sterling, saying he had called him “Manc”.

In an Instagram post following the Chelsea-Manchester City match, Sterling accused the media of helping to “fuel racism” with the way they portray young black footballers.

View this post on Instagram

Good morning I just want to say , I am not normally the person to talk a lot but when I think I need my point to heard I will speak up. Regarding what was said at the Chelsea game as you can see by my reaction I just had to laugh because I don’t expect no better. For example you have two young players starting out there careers both play for the same team, both have done the right thing. Which is buy a new house for there mothers who have put in a lot of time and love into helping them get where they are, but look how the news papers get there message across for the young black player and then for the young white payer. I think this in unacceptable both innocent have not done a thing wrong but just by the way it has been worded. This young black kid is looked at in a bad light. Which helps fuel racism an aggressive behaviour, so for all the news papers that don’t understand why people are racist in this day and age all i have to say is have a second thought about fair publicity an give all players an equal chance.

A post shared by Raheem Sterling x 😇(@sterling7) on Dec 9, 2018 at 1:54am PST

Everton on Friday stressed they have a “zero tolerance” stance towards racism, and are investigating after a video of fans singing a song about defender Yerry Mina emerged.

Together with football’s equality and inclusion organisation Kick It Out, the club are looking into the footage, which includes a chant – to the tune of “Macarena” – containing racist stereotypes about the Colombia international.

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A post shared by Raheem Sterling x 😇 (@sterling7) on Dec 15, 2018 at 10:23am PST

AFP