Manchester City star Sterling was near the touchline and heading for the corner flag as he was abused by a fan, who appeared to shout ‘f**king black c**t, f**k off’. Another shouts ‘f**k you, you c**t’. The disguting video was posted on Twitter by John Sproull and it is being reported the first man was removed from the stadium. A Chelsea spokesman said: "We are aware of video footage and reports. We will investigate the matter and take the strongest possible action where necessary.”

Ian Wright tweeted with a warning of a return to the dark days. “The bad old days are back," he said. "Chelsea you have been shamed by this disgusting racist fan! absolutely no doubt about what he says.” BT Sport pundit Jake Humphrey responded to Times journalist Matthew Syed who also tweeted about the incident. He said: "Hi @matthewsyed. Just been speaking to the production team.

Raheem Sterling is allegedly racially abused by a Chelsea fan

Raheem Sterling appears to be racially abused during the Chelsea defeat

"The footage is all over social media & we’ll make sure the relevant people are sent the footage directly from us. "If indeed it is proved to be racist abuse then I hope it’s a lifetime ban. No place for it in this world." Rio Ferdinand tweeted after the incident: “Are we going to continue to allow this type of racist behaviour go on??? All for kicking a ball!” Syed, who also posted a clip of the video, originally tweeted: "This guy, far right, blue jacket, glasses, screaming what looks like vile racial abuse. Kick him out ⁦@ChelseaFC⁩ ⁦@premierleague⁩ ⁦@kickitout⁩. Does anybody know him? Not just awful for Sterling but other fans, not least the black guy behind him."

Raheem Sterling deserves the highest praise for not responding to vile abuse today. Even if the alleged racist element goes unproven - how do grown men think that is in any way acceptable? ‘Passion’? ‘Banter’? It is pathetic. Quite simply pathetic. — Guy Mowbray (@Guymowbray) December 8, 2018

It is another bleak reminder of the racist issues in football after a Tottenham supporter threw a banana skin at Arsenal striker Pierre-Emeric Aubameyang last week. That fan was given a lifetime ban by Tottenham and it remains to be seen if this Chelsea fan will be identified and hit with a similar punishment. On Sunday morning Sterling posted a statement on Instagram regarding the incident at Stamford Bridge. The former QPR youngster also took aim at the Daily Mail’s contrasting portrayals of the lives of City youngsters Tosin Adarabioyo and Phil Foden. "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,” Sterling wrote. "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 newspapers get their 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.”

Raheem Sterling has taken issue with the Daily Mail's reporting on Tosin Adarabioyo and Phil Foden

A host of Premier League players have come out in support of Sterling since his instagram message was posted online. Leicester winger Demarai Gray, Brighton defender Leon Balogun and Bournemouth striker Josh King all commented on the post. READ MORE: FOOTBALLERS ISSUE RAHEEM STERLING SUPPORT Phil Foden, Ederson and Kyle Walker also sent messages of support - as did Stoke’s Saido Berahino and Liverpool midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

Raheem Sterling has been supported by a number of Premier League stars

Chelsea beat Manchester City at Stamford Bridge, allowing Liverpool to maintain top spot after their win over Bournemouth earlier in the day. It was City’s first loss in the league this season after 16 games. Goals from N’Golo Kante and David Luiz secured the three points for Chelsea that sees them go back up to third in the table. After the game goalscorer Luiz said: "It was a great game. I think we are playing against the best team in Europe at the moment. They have great players and are playing very well.

Raheem Sterling's City lost 2-0 to Chelsea

"We had to suffer but then we took our chance to score. It went well, our plan. We have had some bad results but tried to improve. "All the team did great. We keep fighting but keep our feet on the ground." And Kante said: "They are a very good team. We suffered together then afterwards we didn't give up and got the two goals. We are happy with the win. "The most important thing is to give my best on the pitch. I am happy to be on the scoresheet."

Raheem Sterling could play for Manchester City in midweek