Chronicle Editor
NEWSPAPERS are helping to “fuel racism” by the ways in which they portray young black footballers, says Manchester City forward, Raheem Sterling.
It comes after Sterling, 24, faced alleged racist abuse from Chelsea fans during City’s 2-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
Chelsea and the Metropolitan Police are investigating the allegations.
“All I have to say is have a second thought about fair publicity and give all players an equal chance,” he said.
In a post on Instagram, Sterling said he “had to laugh” when he heard the alleged racist remarks during the game because he expects “no better”.
The Football Association said on Sunday it would support the investigations.
Sterling’s comments came the day after police in Scotland arrested two fans for allegedly directing racial abuse at Motherwell substitute Christian Mbulu during his side’s defeat at Hearts.
In his post, England international Sterling cites newspaper headlines about team-mates Tosin Adarabioyo and Phil Foden buying houses.
The headline referring to 21-year-old defender Adarabioyo – who is on loan at West Brom – focuses on how he spent £2.25m on a property “despite having never started a Premier League match”.
By contrast, midfielder Foden, 18, “buys a £2m home for his mum” and is later described as having “set up a future”.
“You have two young players starting out their careers – both play for the same team, both have done the right thing, which is buy a new house for their mothers who have put in a lot of time and love into helping them get where they are,” Sterling said.
“But look at how the newspapers get their message across for the young black player and then for the young white player.
“I think this is unacceptable, both innocent, have not done a thing wrong but just by the way it has been worded, this young black kid is looked at in a bad light, which helps fuel racism and aggressive behaviour.”
Sterling has frequently found himself at the centre of attention throughout his career, most recently for a tattoo of a rifle on his leg earlier this year.
He later defended the tattoo, saying it had a “deeper meaning” and referred to his late father, who was killed in Kingston, Jamaica.
That followed criticism for proposing to his girlfriend, purchasing clothes at high-street chain Primark, and even for buying his mother a house.
In June, he said he no longer worried about criticism of his lifestyle in a piece with the Players’ Tribune. —BBC Sport
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