Raheem Sterling holds no "hatred or malice" toward the supporter banned by Chelsea for allegedly racially abusing him during a game against Man City in 2018 – and the England star says his true purpose outside of football is to continue helping and nurturing young black people.
It was during a 2-0 victory for the Blues over City at Stamford Bridge in December 2018 that Sterling was subjected to a torrent of abuse in front of the Matthew Harding Stand. After an investigation by Chelsea, one fan was banned for life for his actions. “One individual has been permanently excluded from Stamford Bridge for the use of racially abusive language and threatening and aggressive behaviour,” the club stated.
Another five supporters were sanctioned by Chelsea, however, there were no criminal charges as the Crown Prosecution Service, following an investigation by a lip-reading specialist, stated there was not enough evidence that proved the language used was racially aggravated.
