Chelsea Fan Banned for Life Over Raheem Sterling Abuse

A Chelsea fan has been handed a life ban by the club for racially abusing Raheem Sterling. The incident which took place during Chelsea’s Premier League fixture against Manchester City at Stamford Bridge on December 8. The action, which drew criticism from different quarters, was widely circulated in the media.

The said fan who was not named by the club was punished alongside five other supporters. The five were given varying suspensions for their “abusive language and threatening and aggressive behaviour” that was directed at the City star..

Following allegations of racial abuse against Sterling, the Police took up the matter. The Crown Prosecution Service launched an investigation into the incident but concluded that there was insufficient evidence for a criminal charge. That led to Chelsea delaying a decision on the matter. But after the Police came out with this stand, the club swung into action.

Having conducted its own investigation a decision was reached on the punishment to be meted out to the fans.

A statement from the north London side read:

”While the club respects the decision of the CPS, the question it had to determine was not whether a criminal offence had been committed, but rather whether the individual acted in breach of the ticketing terms and conditions.”

This demonstrates a strong stand against racism. It remains to be seen how far actions like this will go in cubing the monster. But the fact that the club has taken a strong stand is encouraging.

It would be recalled that the City winger has been the subject of abuse at several times. He has also come out to call on the authorities to take firm action against racism.