Suspensions, soul-searching amid Raheem racism outcry

Fans banned and media accused after alleged abuse of Man City's Sterling

Amid an outcry over the treatment of Raheem Sterling by England's media and soccer fans, Chelsea suspended four people from attending its matches as police investigated whether the Manchester City winger was racially abused during a Premier League match.

Police are reviewing footage that circulated widely online during Chelsea's 2-0 win over City on Saturday, showing a man aggressively hurling abuse at Sterling as the player retrieved the ball at the byline. Other fans also appeared to be goading the England international.

Chelsea said the club was fully supporting the police investigation and will pass on any information it gathers.

"Chelsea finds all forms of discriminatory behavior abhorrent," the London club said in a statement on Monday.

"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."

Sterling, one of English soccer's best and most high-profile players, posted a message on his Instagram account on Sunday, touching only briefly on the incident and instead focusing on the portrayal of black players in British newspapers which he believes helps to "fuel racism".

"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," wrote Sterling.

The 24-year-old former Liverpool player cited the different ways newspapers covered stories of two of his City colleagues.

When Tosin Adarabioyo, who is black, purchased a house for his mother in January it was described as a "mansion", with the Daily Mail adding that he had "never started a Premier League match".

But there was more positive coverage when Phil Foden, who is white, bought a house for his mum, also for around $2.5 million.

Sterling has had an uneasy relationship with the media, with critical coverage before the World Cup of his decision to get a tattoo of an assault rifle on his right leg. He said it was a tribute to his late father, who was shot dead when Sterling was 2.

He was also heavily criticized by fans and media before, during and after the European Championship in 2016, so much so that he decided to stop going on social media.

Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville was one of Sterling's coaches at Euro 2016. According to Neville, Sterling felt the abuse toward him was "vicious" and that he was being "targeted".

"There was a tonal difference to the attacks that he was getting compared to others," Neville said.

"He was asking me why this was happening. The abuse that he received, particularly in the media, and the language used against him, I have not seen it before. And I have lived closely with David Beckham and Wayne Rooney."

Neville said it was a "miracle" Sterling has been able to become such an integral player for City and England.

English soccer's players' union said Sterling was "often singled out and treated more harshly than his colleagues".

"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, head of equality and diversity at the Professional Footballers' Association.

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

Pound said the PFA was "in no doubt that the negative narrative influences public opinion and emboldens racist rhetoric".

A week before the incident involving Sterling at Chelsea, a banana skin was thrown by fans at Arsenal striker Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang as he celebrated scoring against Tottenham.

"As long as people are silly enough to do this, they need to be punished," Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said on Monday, when asked about the abuse of Sterling.

"That is how it is. I am sure 95 percent of people or more are not like this so we should try to find the right amount of attention for these people.

"Yes, punish them but do not talk too much about them because they do not deserve that we talk about them."

The Football Association has said it will work with the clubs and other authorities regarding the incident at Stamford Bridge involving Sterling.

AP