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Excellent news has emerged from Stamford Bridge where our colleagues have recognised at least four of the alleged perpetrators in the Raheem Sterling racial abuse scandal. The FSOA understands that the people involved are under investigation and have had their seasoncards suspended.

There is continuing coverage across the media about this incident and what the outcomes could lead to. Ed Malyon reporting in the Independent said:

Chelsea have suspended four fans from games pending further investigation after alleged racial abuse against Manchester City and England forward Raheem Sterling.

The Stamford Bridge club have announced that four supporters will not be permitted to attend Blues games indefinitely until the investigation is complete.

Fans in the front row at Saturday’s game were caught on camera abusing Sterling, with the player alleging that he was racially targeted.

A statement from Chelsea on Monday evening read:

“Our investigations into this matter are ongoing. We are fully supporting the police investigation and any information we gather will be passed on to them.

“Chelsea Football Club has suspended four people from attending Chelsea matches pending further investigations into allegations regarding the behaviour of supporters towards Raheem Sterling during our match against Manchester City on Saturday.

“Chelsea Football Club finds all forms of discriminatory behaviour abhorrent and if there is evidence of ticket holders taking part in any racist behaviour, the club will issue severe sanctions, including bans. We will also fully support any criminal prosecutions.”

 Malik Ouzia, of the Evening Standard, said:

City, meanwhile have commended the action taken by Chelsea.

Manchester City welcomes Chelsea’s decision to issue suspensions to the individuals who verbally abused Raheem Sterling during the match at Stamford Bridge on Saturday,” a statement read.

“The club and Raheem are fully engaged with Chelsea and the investigating authorities as they continue to examine the events in question. Manchester City and Raheem are committed to working with all relevant parties and organisations to support the objective of eradicating racism from the game.”

The character that has emerged as the main villain-of-the-peace, according to many media sources,  is said to be Colin Wing, a 60-year-old from Beckenham who denies racial abuse insisting that he used the word “Manc” instead of “Black”.

Investigations are ongoing and no doubt the media will keep us informed.