Raheem Sterling: ‘The only disease right now is the racism that we are fighting’ | Raheem Sterling

Raheem Sterling has given his backing to the anti-racism protests gripping the world following George Floyd’s death in the United States. The 25-year-old Manchester City and England striker insisted racism is “the only disease right now” and said he will continue to speak out in the hope it will contribute to lasting change.

Speaking to Emily Maitlis on BBC Newsnight in a interview to be broadcast on Monday evening, Sterling said: “I know this might sound a little bit cheesy but the only disease right now is the racism that we are fighting. This is the most important thing at this moment in time because this is something that is happening for years and years. Just like the pandemic, we want to find a solution to stop it.

“At the same time, this is what all these protesters are doing. They are trying to find a solution and a way to stop the injustice they are seeing, and they are fighting for their cause. As long as they are doing it peacefully and safely and not hurting anybody and not breaking into any stores, they continue to protest in this peaceful way.”

Sterling has previously challenged the British media’s perception of black players and taken a lead in calling out racism in both the domestic and international game. Last year he counselled fellow professionals against walking off the pitch in the event of racial abuse and has also called for the establishing of a player-led anti-racism task-force.

Sterling believes it is now time for the talking to develop into change in order to go further in banishing the scourge of racism from sport and wider society for good.

“There’s only so much communities and other backgrounds can take – especially black people. It’s been going on for hundreds of years and people are tired and people are ready for change. This is something that needs more than just talking. We need to actually implement change and highlight the places that do need changes.

“But this is something that I will continue to do, spark these debates and get people in my industry looking at themselves and thinking what they can do to give people an equal chance in this country.”