SARRI: THIS WAS
Chelsea boss condemns fans for sickening abuse of Sterling KOSCIELNY BACK BUT THERE’S GUNNER BE NEW BUY
vGroup L, KO 5.55pm
MAURIZIO SARRI has described the Raheem Sterling incident as “disgusting”.
The Chelsea boss, preparing for his club’s Europa League tie against Vidi, spoke to the police, with the club still investigating the episode at Stamford Bridge.
Four men were suspended from attending matches at Stamford Bridge after allegedly racially abusing Sterling during last weekend’s 2-0 win over Manchester City. Sarri said: “It was disgusting. You know
vGroup E, KO 8pm well my opinion, the opinion of the club.
“I condemn any form of discrimination. I think that I have to stop here. Because there is an investigation, so I think it’s better not to say something more.”
Sarri also backed the comments of Eden Hazard, who insisted earlier this week that the quartet caught on camera hurling insults at Sterling were “not real
ARSENAL will swoop for a new centre-back next month even though Laurent Koscielny starts his first game in seven months tonight.
Koscielny (left) makes his comeback against Qarabag in the Europa League dead rubber following a serious Chelsea fans”. Sarri said: “I am very happy with the words of Eden. The club had banned four persons. And so the opinion of the club, the opinion of Eden, and myself is the same.”
Blues midfielder Ruben LoftusCheek, an England team-mate of Sterling’s, backed the City star’s decision to question whether his media treatment contributed to the negative way in which he is viewed by rival fans. Loftusvery Achilles injury. But boss Unai Emery still wants reinforcements brought in.
That is because Rob Holding is expected to miss the rest of the season with a cruciate ligament injury. Cheek said: “I haven’t spoken to Raheem about it. He is a strong-minded person, I am sure he will be all right.
“He was right what he said. It shouldn’t be in the game or anywhere, so it was the right thing for him to do to speak out.
“I would do the same thing.”
Kepa Arrizabalaga, Cesar Azpilicueta, N’Golo Kante, Eden Hazard and Antonio Rudiger have been left at home by Sarri. Live on BT Sport 2, kick-off 5.15pm Manchester United misfit Eric Bailly, Real Valladolid’s Fernando Calero and Chelsea veteran Gary Cahill are all on a shortlist.
Emery said: “I don’t know if it’s possible, but I think if we can take one player to help us at centre-back it’s a good option. It is not easy in the transfer market.
“But Koscielny coming back is very important for the team.” Live on BT Sport 2, kick-off 8pm