Chelsea supporter denies Raheem Sterling racist abuse but apologises for behaviour
Tuesday 11 December 2018 18:31, UK
The Chelsea supporter accused of racially abusing Raheem Sterling at Stamford Bridge on Saturday has apologised for his behaviour, but denied he used racist language.
60-year-old Colin Wing, from Beckenham, was caught on camera shouting at the Manchester City player when he retrieved the ball from behind the goalline.
Wing admits swearing at Sterling and says his behaviour was "completely out of order", but claims he directed the word 'Manc' and not 'black' at the winger.
Wing is one of four Chelsea supporters who have been banned by Chelsea while investigations continue. The Metropolitan Police are also investigating, although no arrests have been made.
Wing, who says he has lost his job as well as his Chelsea season ticket following the incident, told The Daily Mail: "I'm deeply ashamed by my own behaviour.
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"I want to apologise unreservedly to Raheem and hope he can be a better man than I am by accepting it.
"Even if it wasn't racist, it's not right what I said. Even the swearing is bad - but I got carried away. I was completely out of order.
"I've been going to Chelsea for 50 years now and, because of where I sit, I'm picked up on the camera most weeks. If I had a history of saying this sort of thing I would've been caught by now."
A Chelsea statement released on Monday said: "We are fully supporting the police investigation and any information we gather will be passed on to them.
"Chelsea 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."
Manchester City released their own statement in which they welcomed Chelsea's decision to suspend the four supporters.
It added: "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 FA have confirmed they too are investigating the incident, while the PFA says it stand "shoulder to shoulder" with Sterling.
