Raheem Sterling’s statement on alleged abuse during the Chelsea game in full

Raheem Sterling has issued a statement about the alleged racism he faced at Stamford Bridge during Saturday’s Premier League match against Chelsea, in which the young Manchester City forward criticises newspapers for their coverage.

He says that differing tone of articles between white and black young players exacerbates and encourages racist incidents seen in grounds on match days.

His statement addressed an incident experienced on camera on Saturday, which is currently being investigated by Chelsea and the Metropolitan Police. Sterling was allegedly racially abused by a member of the crowd as he collected the ball from behind the goal, seen in a video circulated widely on social media.

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. pic.twitter.com/UwXUGobkoH

— Matthew Syed (@matthewsyed) December 8, 2018

Chelsea have promised to “take the strongest possible action where necessary”. The Metropolitan Police said no arrests had been made in a statmeent: “We are aware of a video circulating online in which it is claimed racial abuse was allegedly directed at a player.

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

Sterling’s statement also addressed the differing tone of two articles about two young players at his club, Manchester City. The two articles, believed to be about Tosin Adarabioyo and Phil Foden, reported on the young players buying houses for their parents.

Raheem Sterling’s statement

The Manchester City forward issued a statement via Instagram on Sunday morning.

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 be 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 their careers, both play for the same team, both have done the right thing. Which is buy a new house for their mothers who have put in a lot of time and love into helping them get where they are. But look how the newspapers get their message across for the young black player and then for the young white player. I think this is unnaceptable – 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 and aggressive behaviour. So for all the newspapers 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 and give all players an equal chance.