Chelsea have banned for life a supporter who abused Raheem Sterling and temporarily banned five others involved

Chelsea have banned one supporter for life and temporarily banned five others following abuse of Manchester City's Raheem Sterling during a Premier League match last December - the club have not stated which fan received the lifetime ban

The statement added: 'We understand that this incident has been the subject of discussion amongst supporters, and the Club appreciates that emotions can run high during matches.

'However, in this case the behaviour of all six individuals crossed the line of what is acceptable.

'Furthermore, in the case of the supporter who was found by the Club to have used racially abusive language, there is no place for this behaviour at Stamford Bridge and a permanent exclusion was the appropriate sanction.

'Given the particular circumstances of this case, the Club did not consider that attendance at an education course in return for a reduced sanction would have been appropriate.' 

Chelsea conducted their own investigation into the incident that included representations from the individuals concerned, a review of video footage and expert opinions from two lip reading professionals.

As a result, one individual has been permanently banned from Stamford Bridge for the use of racially abusive language and threatening and aggressive behaviour.

A statement issued by Chelsea on Tuesday indicated the individual concerned denied abusing Sterling but the club found that they had acted in breach of the club's ticketing terms and conditions.

Five other individuals have been temporarily excluded from attending matches at Stamford Bridge for periods of between one and two years.

However, in April, the CPS concluded that there was not enough evidence to prove the words used were racist. 

It was claimed at the time on social media that Colin Wing, 60, had called Sterling a 'black c***' as he collected the ball.

The BT manager from Beckenham said he had called Sterling a 'Manc c***' instead. 

The CPS concluded in April there wasn't enough evidence to prosecute and it is understood Sterling gave a statement saying he heard no racist language.

It is unclear whether Mr Wing is the supporter Chelsea have banned for life.

The Stamford Bridge club have also issued sanctions against five other supporters for their behaviour during the Premier League match last December.

It was claimed that City and England star Sterling was racially abused as he collected the ball during Chelsea's 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge on December 8.