Raheem Sterling
- Blues prevailed in dramatic derby clash
- Objects thrown from the crowd
- England star appeared to send them back
WHAT HAPPENED?
The England international winger was among those in action for the Blues as they took in a derby date with London rivals Tottenham on Monday. Cole Palmer converted a penalty in that contest and was struck on the leg by an object thrown from the crowd while shushing the home support in celebration.
Mauricio Pochettino could make changes for Chelsea vs Man City.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Raheem Sterling joined in the celebrations as Chelsea levelled matters at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium – before going on to claim a 4-1 win – and spotted the missile thrown at Palmer as he began to head back towards his own half of the field. Rather than leave it on the ground, the 28-year-old picked it up and returned it towards the stands.
DID YOU KNOW?
Said footage was caught on camera by Chelsea’s own media team, and has been posted online for the world to see. According to the Daily Mail, Sterling could now be punished. The FA did not spot the incident at the time, but are now investigating in a bid to determine whether any further action – such as a retrospective ban – needs to be taken.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
The Football Association has sanctioned players returning missiles to the stands before, with Richarlison suspended after throwing a lit flare into the crowd while at Everton, while Didier Drogba missed three games for Chelsea are returning a coin to the terraces in a meeting with Burnley and former Liverpool defender was given a similar ban for hurling a £1 coin at Arsenal supporters at Highbury in 2002.
