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Raheem Sterling hits out at newspapers for helping 'fuel racism' following alleged abuse at Stamford Bridge

Chelsea are investigating the incident involving Sterling that took place on Saturday: Getty Images
Chelsea are investigating the incident involving Sterling that took place on Saturday: Getty Images

Raheem Sterling has accused British newspapers of helping to ‘fuel racism’ in their portrayal of young black footballers.

Sterling’s comments come after he was targeted with alleged racist abuse during Manchester City’s defeat to Chelsea in the Premier League on Saturday. Chelsea have launched an investigation into the incident.

In a lengthy post on Instagram, Sterling hit out at negative press coverage he and other black footballers have received. Referring to Saturday’s incident at Stamford Bridge, he commented “I just had to laugh because I don’t expect no better.”

Sterling posted two pictures on his Instagram account showing stories about Man City players Tosin Adarabioyo and Phil Foden buying new houses.

The headline about Foden reads: ‘Manchester City starlet Phil Foden buys new £2m home for his mum.'

The story about Adarabioyo, who is black, is titled: ‘Young Manchester City footballer, 20, on £25,000 a week splashes out on mansion on market for £2.25million despite having never started a Premier League match’.

Sterling wrote: “For example, you have two young players starting out their careers, both play for the same team, both have done the right thing. Which is buy a new house for their mothers, who have put in a lot of time and love into helping them get where they are.

"But Look how the newspapers get their message across for the young black player and young white player.

“I think this is unacceptable. Both [are] 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.

“[What] helps fuel racism is aggressive behaviour, so for all of the newspapers 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 and give all players an equal chance.”

Chelsea have launched their own investigation into Saturday evening’s incident after a video clip emerged on social media in which a Blues supporter appeared to hurl racist abuse towards Sterling while he was collecting the ball from the byline.

Chelsea will now use CCTV footage as well as witness statements from security and stewards to determine the exact details of the incident - and will ban the fan for life should he be found guilty of racially abusing Sterling.

The FA will also look into the incident. A statement released on Sunday read: "We take all allegations of discrimination extremely seriously and will work with the clubs and the relevant authorities to ensure this matter is dealt with appropriately.

"We strongly condemn all forms of discrimination and encourage all fans and participants who believe that they have been the subject of, or witness to, discriminatory abuse to report it through the appropriate channels: The FA, our County FAs or our partners Kick It Out."