Brewster: Racism is rife in the youth game

ENGLAND starlet Rhian Brewster has claimed racism is widespread in youth football and has given a harrowing account of the abuse he has received. The Liverpool forward, whose goals helped England win the Under 17 World Cup in India in October, claimed earlier this month that he was racially abused by Spartak Moscow defender Leonid Mironov during a UEFA Under 19 European League game. And Brewster says such incidents are common, citing seven occasions when either he or a team-mate has been abused — five of which took place in the last seven months. ‘I got fouled,’ the 17-year-old told The Guardian, recalling the Spartak incident. ‘I was on the floor and I had the ball in my hands. One of their players started saying stuff in Russian to the ref. I said, “It’s a foul, man, what you playing at?” I was still sitting down. Then their player leaned over me, right down to my face and said: “Suck my d***, you n*****, you negro”. ‘I jumped to my feet and the ref

came running over because obviously he realised something had been said. The ref said he couldn’t do anything because he hadn’t heard it and “the only thing I can do is report it”. ‘I said, “Come on, then — let’s go and report it”. He started doing something else and I said, “No, now”. We went over to the fourth official and told him.’ Brewster was so incensed by what Mironov — who disputes the allegation — said to him that he needed to be restrained in the dressing room. Liverpool made a formal complaint to UEFA — the second time it was necessary for them to do so after another of their young players, Bobby Adekanye, was racially abused by Spartak fans in Moscow. UEFA have yet to set a date for a hearing. Brewster also claims to have been called the N-word while playing for England against Ukraine in the European Under 17 Championship in May. In the absence of footage, UEFA say there is not enough evidence to pursue the FA’s complaint. Brewster (left) outlined how there have been seven incidents when either he or a teammate has been abused — five of which took place since the summer. Two occurred while he was playing for England, including Wolves midfielder Morgan GibbsWhite being targeted by Spanish players in the Under 17 World Cup final. ‘Something happened in the box,’ said Brewster. ‘As Morgan was running away, he (a Spain player) called him a monkey. “Morgan,” I said, “did you hear that?” He said: “Yeah, yeah. I thought I was the only one”.’ Brewster says he was also called the N-word in an Under 19 game against Sevilla, though UEFA again claimed there was not enough evidence to act. Shockingly, the youngster claims to have suffered racial abuse since he was a 12-year-old in Chelsea’s youth system. He was playing in a tournament in Russia — again — when monkey chants were directed at him and other team-mates. Brewster has been backed by the club and even had a call from co-owner Mike Gordon. But he feels the game in general could do far more, saying: ‘I don’t think UEFA take this seriously. It feels like it’s been brushed under the carpet.’ Kick It Out, football’s equality organisation, hailed the ‘incredibly brave’ teenager for speaking out, adding: ‘It is time for the authorities to act on this unacceptable behaviour.’