Police are treating the alleged racial abuse and assault of Raheem Sterling, the Manchester City player, as a hate crime.

On Saturday, The Telegraph reported that Sterling was attacked by a man as he arrived at City’s training ground ahead of the Premier League meeting with Tottenham Hotspur.

The 23-year-old winger was reportedly abused while driving through the entrance of the City Football Academy and then kicked when he stepped out of his vehicle to ask the man what his problem was.

Sterling was not injured in the incident and went on to score twice as Pep Guardiola’s side recorded a 4-1 win, their 16th consecutive league victory.



Greater Manchester Police confirmed on Monday that the force had been “made aware that a 23-year-old man had been subject to a racially aggravated assault on Clayton Lane”.

A statement by GMP added: “While an official report has not yet been made, enquiries will be carried out and officers are treating it as a hate crime.

“Hate crime will not be tolerated in Greater Manchester and can be reported via the True Vision website at report-it.org.uk

“Anyone with information about the incident should contact police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.”

Sterling is currently enjoying some of the best form of his career to date under Guardiola’s tutelage at City.