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”.
His 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”. Credit : BBC
