Raheem Sterling: Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola calls star “incredible human being” for confronting abuse

Raheem Sterling: Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola calls star “incredible human being” for confronting abuse
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has called Raheem Sterling an “incredible human being” for confronting the issue of racism in football.The 24-year-old forwardwas subjected to alleged racial abuse during City’s Premier League defeat at Chelsea on Saturday.3

Raheem Sterling receives abuse from Chelsea fans.

The player later issued a statement accusing the media of fuelling racism in the way it reports certain stories about black players.Speaking for the first time since, City manager Guardiola said: “I was concerned with what happened but he made a statement on Instagram and was quite clear about his thoughts.“He’s an incredible person, an incredible human being.“It’s tough in the 21st century to still be in this position, to have problems with diversity. We have to be better, everyone.”3

Raheem Sterling in action against Chelsea on Saturday when he was allegedly racially abused

Guardiola believes racism is a deep problem in society, of which football is reflective, and it must be combated.Speaking at a press conference, Guardiola said: “It’s everywhere, racism is everywhere. People focus on football but it’s not just in football. You’d think in football we’d be safe but racism is everywhere.“What happens today – how we treat immigrants and refugees, when once in our lives our grandfathers were refugees. It’s everywhere. That’s why we have to fight every day.“We have to fight for human rights to make a better society for the future. Today it’s dangerous, not just in England, all across Europe.3

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola

“The message for the politicians is for them to be tough on human rights and we have to defend democracy in the best way.”Guardiola also pointed out the media has a crucial role to play.He said: “Today the real power is the media, not politicians, not the governments. It’s the media.”The Metropolitan Police have launched an investigation into the alleged racial abuse at Stamford Bridge while Chelsea have suspended four supporters. “I appreciate what Chelsea did,” Guardiola said. “If it happened in my club we should do the same.”Guardiola says comments about players should restricted to performances on the field.He said: “Hopefully the criticism is when he plays s***, he plays bad. That would be perfect. Everyone is exposed to that – the managers, the players, everyone around the world.“But just for the colour of his skin? Believe me, that’s ridiculous and that’s why everyone has to protect from that situation.”

---

Republic of Ireland star Shane Long will be fit to face Denmark on Saturday. The striker was unable to train on Tuesday or Wednesday because of the injury he shipped in Southampton's weekend
Euro 2020 qualifiers: Uncapped Josh Cullen added to Republic

---

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said his team could not have played much better despite their 3-0 loss to a Lionel Messi-inspired Barcelona in the Champions League semifinal first leg at the Nou
Jurgen Klopp proud of Liverpool's 'best Champions League game

---

Anthony Martial has agreed a new five-year contract at Manchester United, bringing speculation over his long-term future to an end. The 23-year-old forward signs up until 2024, with the club
Manchester United forward Anthony Martial signs contract

---

Watford striker Andre Gray claims football authorities don't care about racism and calls for greater action. And Watford striker Gray reveals he was also the
Watford striker Andre Gray claims football authorities don't

---

London - Manchester City cruised back to the top of the Premier League as relegation-bound Fulham were swatted aside by the champions 2-0 at Craven Cottage on Saturday. Bernardo Silva and Sergio
Man City cruise back top of Premier League with win at Fulham

---

Chelsea stars embarrassed in Blues youth match on Tuesday. senior players suffered further embarrassment yesterday when they were held to a 3-3 draw by a development team in a practice match
Chelsea senior players drew with club's youth team after 6-0

---

OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER has hinted at wholesale changes at Manchester United - claiming some of his flops have played their last game for the club. United put in another awful display drawing at
'There is the chance you have seen the last of players

---

Former Barcelona star Xavi Hernandez announced on Thursday that he's stepping away from football and ending one of the most illustrious careers in the sport.The Spanish legend, who led Al-Sadd to
Montenegro should face EXPULSION from Euro 2020 qualifying

---

Every Premier League club's worst value for money signing this season The best XI of Premier League fringe players, including Liverpool and Man City stars club with a transfer fee or to
Every Premier League top six club's best-paid player - and

---

Hazard: Chelsea have won trophies, Spurs haven't Tottenham have faltered in the race for Champions League qualification of late and Chelsea attacker Eden Hazard has trolled their rivals.

---

Manchester United target set for shock Atletico Madrid exit

---

Unai Emery praised Aaron Ramsey following Arsenal's Europa League victory over Napoli and insists the Juventus-bound midfielder is only thinking about finishing the season well with the Gunners
Unai Emery urges Aaron Ramsey to make a major impact for

---