Chelsea fan probed over racist remarks against Raheem Sterling

Football club Chelsea and police in the United Kingdom have started an investigation into alleged racist remarks by a Chelsea fan towards Manchester City player Raheem Sterling during Saturday’s match.

In a video circulating on social media, a Chelsea fan can be seen shouting racist remarks at Sterling, one of the stars of England’s national team.

A statement by the Metropolitan Police said it is “aware of a video circulating online in which it is claimed racial abuse was allegedly directed at a player,” AP news agency reported.

“We will review the footage to determine whether any offences have been committed,” the statement continued.

Chelsea, which won the match 2-0, said it would “investigate the matter and take the strongest possible action where necessary”.

One of England’s hero’s at the World Cup now “A f***ing black c*nt” according this Chelsea supporter. Disgusting behaviour #sterling #mancity #chelsea pic.twitter.com/Rsx8gi5jBl

— OC (@theshank7) December 8, 2018

Kick It Out, an organisation that tries to combat racism in football, said on Twitter said it would offer support during the investigation.

“Yet another great day of football damaged by prejudice,” the organisation added.

We’ve received reports from a variety of sources about an incident of alleged racist abuse at the Chelsea-Manchester City game. We will forward those to Chelsea and offer our support in their investigation.

Yet another great day of football damaged by prejudice. https://t.co/MvObSOlLZi

— Kick It Out (@kickitout) December 8, 2018

In recent years, Chelsea and Kick It Out have worked together extensively to combat racism, sexism and homophobia in football.

Following the spread of the video, several users on social media called on Chelsea to ban the fan from the stadium.

Sterling was one of the players who guided England to the semi-finals during the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

The 24-year-old, who celebrated his birthday on Saturday, has been a player for Manchester City since 2015.

Before that, he played for Liverpool.

He made his debut in the English national team in 2012 and has scored four times in 47 matches.