Chelsea are launching an investigation after a supporter appeared to shout racist abuse at Manchester City forward Raheem Sterling this evening.

The Metropolitan Police also said it was “aware of a video circulating online in which it is claimed racial abuse was allegedly directed at a player”. In a statement, the force said: “We will review the footage to determine whether any offences have been committed.”

A clip of a Chelsea fan abusing Sterling as he went to pick up the ball circulated on social media during the match, which Chelsea won 2-0. By the end of the game he was identified by stewards who spoke to him at the end of the match.

While his language appeared to be racist, Chelsea are keen to establish the full facts and so will investigate using television footage and CCTV to find out precisely what he said to Sterling. If he was found to have used racially abusive language then he will be banned by the club.

Rio Ferdinand, who watched the game at Stamford Bridge while working as a pundit for BT Sport, tweeted alongside the clip: “Are we going to continue to allow this type of racist behaviour go on??? All for kicking a ball!”