Sterling: Hatred fuelled by media

his mother a new home. The headline read, ‘Young Manchester City footballer, 20, on £25,000 a week splashes out on mansion on market for £2.25m despite having never started a Premier League match’.

And yet when Phil Foden did much the same thing nine months later he was praised by the same organisation.

“This young black kid is looked at in a bad light, which helps fuel racism and aggressive behaviour,” said Sterling.

A club source said Chelsea were aware of the suspect’s details after five stewards escorted him from his seat at the final whistle.

Chelsea later issued a statement pledging to “investigate the matter and take the strongest possible action where necessary”.

This is likely to involve a lifetime ban if found guilty.

A video grab from BT Sport’s live coverage of the game was shared on social media and came to the attention of the authorities.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed no arrests had yet been made but have interviewed Sterling and asked for his thoughts.

They said: “We are aware of a video circulating online in which it is claimed racial abuse was allegedly directed at a player. We will review the footage to determine whether any offences have been committed.”

Last night indications were that there would be movement in this case in the next 24 hours.

The incident comes just six days after a Tottenham fan was arrested for throwing a banana skin at Arsenal’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang during an explosive derby at the Emirates.

There were two arrests last weekend in Edinburgh after racial abuse was allegedly aimed at Motherwell’s Christian Mbulu during the match against Hearts.