Thomas Tuchel has revealed new signing Raheem Sterling has not mentioned the incident where he was racially abused by a Chelsea supporter in 2018. In a match between the Blues and Manchester City at Stamford Bridge, Sterling was racially abused by a fan sitting in the Matthew Harding stand.
The Chelsea fan was later banned for life by the club after he was found guilty of the abuse. A statement from the club in July 2019 read: "One individual has been permanently excluded from Stamford Bridge for the use of racially abusive language and threatening and aggressive behaviour.
"Prior to making its decision, the club noted the decision of the CPS [Crown Prosecution Service]. The question that it had to determine was not whether a criminal offence had been committed but rather whether the individual acted in breach of the ticketing terms and conditions.
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"In this regard, the club operates to the civil standard of proof, which is entirely different to the criminal standard. In reaching its decision, the club took into account the denial made by the individual as well as a range of other evidence, including video evidence and evidence from two lip reading experts – both of whom advised that the individual had used words that are racially abusive."
Around three years and a half have passed since the incident, and Sterling has now signed a five-year contract at Chelsea. Tuchel, when asked about the incident, spoke about how Sterling knows that sort of behaviour is not representative of Chelsea Football Club.
"Well, first of all – and I was not at the club – but whoever did this has surely no right to ever come to a football stadium," the Chelsea head coach said. "He should be held responsible for what he did.
"He is stupid enough to have done it and hold these kinds of opinions. From there, we don't worry anymore.
"He (Sterling) is more than welcome in our group. I told him today that everyone is very excited and happy to get to the finishing line.
"His arrival gave us a big boost, and it is hopefully only the beginning of a strong transfer where we need to be competitive. I see no other reason to give him anything other than a very warm welcome with us and how we work together."
When asked if he was surprised Sterling agreed to move to Chelsea, Tuchel replied: "He didn't mention it. I had a long talk with him, and he had no hesitation about coming. He didn't mention it, and I think he knows that one person does not reflect the opinion and the values of Chelsea."
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