LUIZ STILL CLASS ACT

TROY DEENEY has warned that racism against footballers is on the rise – but says he doesn’t think that Brexit is to blame.

Vile abuse has been directed at a host of players both online and in person over the last few weeks. A Bulgaria supporter was ejected from Wembley last Saturday after comments were directed at England hero Raheem Sterling.

And Manchester United stars Marcus Rashford and Paul Pogba were targeted by trolls on social media, as were Chelsea’s Tammy Abraham and Kurt Zouma.

Deeney himself had to disable comments on his Instagram account after offensive messages were left. The straight-talking Watford forward says Brits are more sensitive than ever before, but there has never been any excuse for racism.

“Are we becoming soft? One hundred per cent. Are we becoming touchy? One hundred per cent,” he said.

“But on racism can you say it’s touchy? I don’t think you can. There’s no need in 2019 – nearly 2020 now – to still be talking about racism.

“Just look at London. You can walk through Selfridges or whatever and you’ll see 60 or 70 nationalities.

“How can you be racist when you’re immersed in it all the time? It doesn’t make sense to me, personally.”

The 2016 referendum has been linked with a spike in hate crimes.

But Deeney, 31, is not convinced it was the decision to leave the EU that has made racism more common.

He reckons problems have escalated because the police won’t take online abuse seriously.

“To say is it because of Brexit, I don’t think so because this was happening before Brexit was even a thing,” he added.

“I think people like to attach racism to something and say, ‘It’s because of this.’ No, it’s because it’s just been happening and there are no consequences.

“That’s the biggest thing. If you commit a murder you know what the punishment is. If you rob a car you know there’s a level of punishment.

“There’s all these different platforms where you can be racist, and what? You get your Twitter blocked so you just open another one.

“That’s the kind of thing where it just gets frustrating. “Ultimately, it’s a hate crime. If it’s the same punishment then that’s what will deter people.” Despite the ongoing problem of players being targeted, Deeney says he’s reluctant to tell Watford’s younger stars to come offline.

Instead he has urged players to tackle the issue head on.

“I don’t tell them to leave it but if it happens then report it,” he said. “That’s the only way you’re going to develop change. What you can’t do is bury your head in the sand and say, ‘I’ll ignore this one, I’ll ignore that one.’ Because then you’re just saying it’s fine.

“We’re trying to do our own thing at Watford and I’m passionate about it, because it affects me and my family on a daily basis.

“Say what you want about me.

“I’m big enough and ugly enough to take anything.

Say something about my family and it’s a different story.” STRIKER Troy Deeney says Arsenal defender David Luiz deserves more respect.

The Gunners signed Luiz, 32, on deadline day for £8million from Chelsea. Eyebrows were raised at Unai Emery’s decision to sign the gaffe-prone star, but Deeney reckons it was a savvy buy.

“Look who he’s played for,” Deeney said. “He’s not played for chump teams. “He’s a Brazil international and has now played for Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea and Arsenal. Come on, people need to give him respect. It’s just because he’s one of those Marmite characters – and I’m one of them as well! Some people love us, some people hate us.

“But he’s generally just a good player. And not only is he a good player, he’s very charismatic with the way he carries himself so you have to appreciate that.” Luiz (left) wasn’t the only new arrival in North London. Nicolas Pepe cost £72m but is yet to get his first Arsenal goal. Deeney has warned that the Ivorian is close to hitting top gear.

“I don’t think he’s too far away from being an absolute destroyer,” he added. “You can see the talent is there.”