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Pep Guardiola speaks out on incredible Raheem Sterling

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Pep Guardiola has labelled Raheem Sterling incredible (Getty Images)

Pep Guardiola and Leroy Sane have come to the defence of Raheem Sterling after the Manchester City winger was the victim of alleged racist abuse at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

Chelsea supporters were caught on camera hurling abuse at Sterling as he went to collect the ball for a City corner. Chelsea have subsequently suspended four supporters from attending matches pending further investigations, while the City winger has also spoken to police about the incident.

In an Instagram post on Sunday, Sterling wrote that negative portrayals of black footballers in newspapers had helped to fuel racism and aggressive behaviour amongst football fans.

Speaking ahead of Citys game against Hoffenheim on Wednesday, Guardiola said: I saw him the day before. He made a statement on Instagram that was quite clear about his thoughts.

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He has not personally spoken to me [at any time]. They are issues in our lives. Racism is everywhere. We focus on football, but its not just in football, unfortunately.

What happens today with immigrants and refugees around the world, and how we treat them, its everywhere. I appreciate what Chelsea did.

Guardiola continued: Hes [Sterling] an incredible person.

If Raheem is going to get criticism it should be if he played s***. That would be perfect. Just for the colour of his skin is ridiculous.

Leroy Sane accompanied Guardiola at the press conference on Tuesday and praised his teammates strength of character.

Obviously I think its sad that this happens still. We are all on Raheems side but hes a strong guy. he knows how to handle it.

Hes still focused, wants to keep focused on the next game tomorrow and thats the most important thing.

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The incident at Stamford Bridge involving Sterling came just six days after a Tottenham supporter was charged by police and banned by the club for life for throwing a banana skin at Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang at the Emirates.

Plenty of prominent figures within football including Jurgen Klopp, Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher have leapt to Sterlings defence in recent days.

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Sterling has been one of the standout players in the Premier League this season, scoring eight goals and registering six assists in the Premier League.