Rose backs Raheem over racism riposte

DANNY ROSE has praised Raheem Sterling for using social media to speak out against racism and claimed the forward had the full support of colleagues in the dressing room. England and Manchester City star Sterling criticised the negative portrayal of black players in the media on his Instagram account after receiving abuse from Chelsea fans earlier this season. He claimed the disparity in the way stories involving black players were reported was a contributory factor. ‘Raheem was only saying what we all say in the dressing room,’ Rose told BBC Sport. ‘It’s sad really but he’s 100 per cent spot on with what he said. ‘The stick he used to get from the media was bang out of order. When he put the post up about the media we were all over the moon with that because we all agree. Fair play to Raheem. One of the few positive things about social media now is you have a voice and you can influence people. ‘Now it’s not just boys in the dressing room talking about the media targeting Raheem, the general public have seen it. ‘We hope it changes but it doesn’t affect Raheem in any way, which we’re all grateful for.’ Rose also thanked his Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate for the support he received in the wake of the revelation that he had suffered from depression. The Tottenham left-back disclosed his diagnosis with the mental health condition before the World Cup. He added: ‘It was one of the best things I’ve done. The messages and support I received were amazing. Gareth was brilliant. When I’m not with the squad I am in contact with him.’