Titres: English Premier League, Chelsea, Manchester City, Raheem Sterling, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
Manchester City has welcomed the stance taken by Chelsea in wake of Saturday's incident.

Chelsea has indefinitely banned four fans from attending games at the Stamford Bridge after reportedly singling out Manchester City's Raheem Sterling for racist abuse. The Blues brought to an end the Citizen's 22-game unbeaten run which stretches as far back as April 2018, kind courtesy goals by N'Golo Kante and David Luis.

However, the victory at Stamford Bridge was marred by reports of Raheem Sterling being subjected to racist abuse at some point in the Premier League encounter. A footage displayed a group of Chelsea fans screaming what is perceived as an alleged racist slur at the Manchester City winger as he retrieved the ball from behind the opponent's goal post during Saturday's match.

Following the end of the proceedings, the 24-year-old England international shed light on the occurrence with an Instagram post which, per his words, captured how racism is fueled among fans by the media.

 
 
 
 
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Good morning I just want to say , I am not normally the person to talk a lot but when I think I need my point to heard I will speak up. 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. For example you have two young players starting out there careers both play for the same team, both have done the right thing. Which is buy a new house for there mothers who have put in a lot of time and love into helping them get where they are, but look how the news papers get there message across for the young black player and then for the young white payer. I think this in unacceptable both innocent have not done a thing wrong but just by the way it has been worded. This young black kid is looked at in a bad light. Which helps fuel racism an aggressive behaviour, so for all the news papers that don't understand why people are racist in this day and age all i have to say is have a second thought about fair publicity an give all players an equal chance.

A post shared by Raheem Sterling x (@sterling7) on

The incident is currently being investigated by the Professional Footballers Association who has since affirmed their support for the ex-Liverpool star.

"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, the PFA's head of equality and diversity, in a statement.

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

The statement added: "We have been aware for a few months of the targeting Raheem faces in the press, it is evident that he is often singled out and treated more harshly than his colleagues.

"As such, these stories are fueling racism within the game, as reports of racist abuse continue to rise.

"We commend Raheem for his professionalism during the incident and the statement he made via Instagram on Sunday.

"We stand with him in calling for the press to consider the coverage of all footballers carefully, and to end their imbalanced coverage aimed at young, black players.

"While it may be true that no racial slurs have been used in the press coverage received by Raheem and others, we are in no doubt that the negative narrative influences public opinion and emboldens racist rhetoric."

While Manchester City has confirmed that Sterling is cooperating with stakeholders to bring his antagonists to book, Chelsea also released a statement on Monday highlighting the stance the club has taken while the probing continues.

"Manchester City FC welcomes Chelsea FC's decision to issue suspensions to the individuals who verbally abused Raheem Sterling during the match at Stamford Bridge on Saturday," City's 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.

"Manchester City and Raheem are committed to working with all relevant parties and organizations to support the objective of eradicating racism from the game."

The alleged incident of racial abuse involving Raheem Sterling follows a recent episode where Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang had a banana skin thrown at him during the north London derby with Tottenham.