Raheem Sterling joins Pogba and Lukaku at Lingard’s JLingz clothing range launch party
Manchester City man attended the fashion launch just hours after allegedly being racially abused by a Chelsea fan
RAHEEM STERLING attended England team-mate Jesse Lingard’s fashion party just 24 hours after he was allegedly racially abused.
The Manchester City star was subjected to vile abuse during his side’s 2-0 defeat to Chelsea on Saturday.
A number of Chelsea fans could be seen shouting aggressively at Sterling as he picked up the ball when close to the advertising boards of the Matthew Harding stand in the first half.
One Blues fan appears to call Sterling a “f****** black c***”, and the video was widely shared on social media, causing a huge outcry.
But last night in Manchester the 23-year-old attended Lingard’s JLingz clothing line party at the Bowlers Exhibition Centre.
Lingard’s new line is called “Be Yourself”, and he was supported on his big night by team-mates, as well as stars from the music world.
Marcus Rashford, fresh from his man-of-the-match display against Fulham, Romelu Lukaku, Paul, Pogba, Ander Herrera and Juan Mata were all in attendance.
Chris Smalling, Luke Shaw, David de Gea, Nemanja Matic and on-loan-at-Fulham man Timothy Fosu-Mensah all enjoyed an evening out too.
FA AND CHELSEA TO INVESTIGATE RACISM
A CHELSEA spokesman said: “We’ll investigate the matter and take the strongest possible action where necessary.”
A Football Association statement read: “We take all allegations of discrimination extremely seriously and will work with the clubs and the relevant authorities to ensure this matter is dealt with appropriately.
“We strongly condemn all forms of discrimination and encourage all fans and participants who believe that they have been the subject of, or witness to, discriminatory abuse to report it through the appropriate channels: The FA, our County FAs or our partners Kick It Out.”
Marouane Fellaini, Diogo Dalot and Andreas Pereira completed the supporting cast from Old Trafford.
American rapper Lil Baby also dropped in for the fashion launch.
The night provided Sterling with some welcome distraction after the disgraceful scenes that marred Man City’s loss to Chelsea.
SunSport reported how Sterling has spoken out after allegedly being racially abused by Chelsea fans, saying: “I expect no better.”
In an Instagram post this morning, Sterling said: “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.”
Police and Chelsea are probing claims the 24-year-old winger suffered racist taunts during Maurizio Sarri’s side’s 2-0 win.
BT Sport have promised to pass on video footage of the confrontation.
The video, in which a fan appears to call Sterling a “f****** black c***”, was widely shared on social media, causing a huge outcry.
Ex-England stars Rio Ferdinand, Ian Wright and Gary Lineker all condemned the footage.
Arsenal legend Wright tweeted: “The bad old days are back! Chelsea you have been shamed by this disgusting racist fan! Absolutely no doubt about what he says.”
Former Manchester United defender Ferdinand added: “Are we going to continue to allow this type of racist behaviour go on? All for kicking a ball!”
England legend Lineker called it “despicable”.
The Met Police on Saturday night said there had been no arrests over the incident.
But a spokesman added: “We are aware of a video in which it is claimed racial abuse was allegedly directed at a player.
“We will review the footage to determine whether any offences have been committed.”