Sterling abuser: ‘I only swore’

SET TO TALK: Guardiola the police probe and insist evidence of racist behaviour will result in “severe sanctions, including bans”.

A club statement read: “Chelsea Football Club finds all forms of discriminatory behaviour abhorrent,” adding that the club “will also fully support any criminal prosecutions”.

Manchester City welcomed the move to suspend those believed to have abused Sterling.

A club statement read: “The club and Raheem are fully engaged with Chelsea FC and the investigating authorities as they continue to examine the events in question.”

Two Chelsea fans yesterday went public to explain their actions – with one of them believed to be among the four now suspended.

A Blues supporter, who identified himself only as ‘Dean’, told talkSPORT: “I didn’t say anything racist, but I do admit swearing at him and calling him an embarrassment to England.

Offensive

“I don’t defend it. It was a passionate game and we needed to win, but that really is no defence.

“I apologise for anything I said that was offensive.

“On behalf of the other fans it just abhors me and I’m just really sorry. That language shouldn’t have come out, even what I said shouldn’t have come out.”

A fan who was stood just feet away also spoke of his ‘disgust’ at the incident.

Nathan Lewis, who is black, claimed he did not hear any racial abuse at the time but was horrified when he later saw TV footage of the incident.

He told ITV’s Good Morning Britain: “Raheem Sterling was getting a lot of abuse from all sections.

“However, I have to be honest and say I didn’t hear actually any racial abuse whatsoever.

“A lot of people have been questioning me and my integrity as to why I didn’t get involved, why I didn’t react.

“But I didn’t actually hear anything racial from any section of the crowd.

“But that doesn’t mean it didn’t happen.”

City boss Pep Guardiola is expected the address the incident at his press conference this lunchtime ahead of tomorrow’s Champions League clash with Hoffenheim.