I said Manc, not black, claims fan, 60, in Sterling abuse row
A CHELSEA fan who abused Raheem Sterling insists his foul-mouthed rant at the Manchester City star was not racist. hope he can be a better man than I am by accepting it.
“Even if it wasn’t racist, it’s not right. Even the swearing is bad, but I got carried away.”
Wing, of Beckenham, South East London, and three other men were suspended by Chelsea over the ugly incident, which was seen by millions of TV viewers worldwide.
Police are believed to have spoken to all four twice and are still investigating. There have been no arrests. Sterling, who was 24 on Saturday, is understood to have told officers he heard racist language from the crowd.
Wing’s neighbour John Colston-Lynch, who is black, insisted the fan “has shown no signs of being a racist”.
The 49-year-old said: “I’ve never had a problem with him. He has been a nice neighbour.
“It’s a bit of a shock. I believe his daughter-in-law is from Singapore.” Another neighbour said Wing and his 55-year-old wife appeared to have gone into hiding, adding: “He disappeared pretty sharpish yesterday and we haven’t seen him since.”
Chelsea is using lip readers as part of its probe.
A spokesman said: “If there is evidence of ticket holders taking part in racist behaviour, we will issue severe sanctions, including bans.”
The club City manager Pep Guardiola yesterday praised Sterling for speaking out against racism in the game. He said: “He is an incredible person.”