Sterling: British press ‘fuels racism’

RAHEEM Sterling has accused British newspapers of helping to “fuel racism” with the way they portray young black footballers after he suffered alleged abuse during Manchester City’s defeat at Chelsea.

Chelsea and the police are investigating the incident at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, which was highlighted on social media.

St er l i ng , 24, post e d on Instagram on Sunday, referencing a stor y from Januar y about Cit y tea mmate Tosin Adarabioyo repor ted ly buyi ng a n e x p e n s i v e hou s e despite never hav ing started a Premier League match.

“T he you ng black k id i s looked at in a bad light. Which he l p s f ue l r a c i s m a n [ d ] aggressive behav iour,” Sterling wrote.

“So for all the newspapers that don’t understand why people are racist in this day and age all I have to say is have a second thought about fair publicity an[d] give all players an equal chance.”

Sterling received a barrage of abuse from home supporters as he retrieved the ball from behind the goal during the first half of the Premier League match at Stamford Bridge, which City lost 2-0.

The England internationa l said he was not surprised by the behav iour of the fans but did not elaborate on what was said.

“I just want to say, I am not normally the person to ta lk a lot but when I think I need my point heard I will speak up,” he posted.

“Regarding what was said at the Chelsea game, as you can see by my reaction I just had t o l aug h be c au s e I don’t expect no better.”

In his socia l media post, Sterl i ng refers to head l i nes about Adarabioyo, 21, and fellow City youngster Phil Foden buying houses.

W h i le t he a r t ic le a bout Adarabioyo focuses on how he spent £ 2.25 mil lion ($ 2.9 mil lion) on a proper t y wit hout ma k i n g a t op -f l i g ht a p p e a r a n c e , m i d f i e l d e r Foden, 18, i s desc r ibed a s hav ing “set up a f ut ure”.

“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,” said Sterling.

“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.”