Antonio Rudiger says he has a lot in common with Manchester City star Raheem Sterling over suffering racist abuse and has challenged clubs to follow Chelsea’s lead in clamping down on fans who target players.
Chelsea face Pep Guardiola’s side on Sunday for the first time since Sterling was on the receiving end of offensive comments during the League game at Stamford Bridge in December.
Four supporters were suspended by Chelsea from attending their matches pending further investigation from the police.
While all four denied there was a racial theme behind the attack, it is understood the inquiry into their behaviour is still ongoing.
There have been incidents at other clubs involving members of the crowd this season. West Ham are the latest to come under scrutiny after a clip was posted on social media of racial abuse being aimed at Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah.
Rudiger, who was on the receiving end of racist slurs during his time at Roma, wants more to be done to stamp out racism in football.
The Chelsea star said: “Raheem and I share the same fate. It is a scandal that something like this still exists.
"It’s good Chelsea are pulling through with the bans. But such people are everywhere. I’d wish other clubs follow Chelsea’s example.
“You must punish them severely. And I appeal to everyone to speak out against those people.”
