Raheem Sterling was reportedly attacked before Manchester City played Tottenham Hotspur and police are investigating it as a ‘hate crime’.

Sterling scored twice in a 4-1 triumph over Spurs, City’s 16th league win in a row which maintains their healthy 11-point lead atop the table.

However, troubling reports emerged soon after the game, alleging that Sterling was kicked and had racial slurs directed towards him in an altercation at the entrance of City’s training base.

The club did not report the incident to police, who were made aware of the incident the day after the game.

Greater Manchester Police confirmed in a statement: ‘Enquiries will be carried out and officers are treating it as a hate crime.’