Pep Guardiola has hailed Raheem Sterling as an “incredible person” after the Manchester City and England winger spoke out amid allegations he was subjected to racist abuse.
Sterling issued a statement via his Instagram account on Sunday, in which he drew contrasts between media coverage of black and white footballers in the UK – a disparity he believes “helps fuel racism and aggressive behaviour”.
The post came a day after Sterling was targeted by Chelsea fans during City’s 2-0 Premier League defeat at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea suspended four people from attending their matches pending an investigation, with the club and the Metropolitan Police launching investigations into whether the England international was racially abused by supporters.
“Leroy said it perfectly, he is an incredible person. Raheem is an incredible human being,” the City manager said.
“It’s tough to understand today what happened years ago, for the whole history for the black people.
“That is why sport is amazing. You live with different people. My kids go to school with Indian people, with black people, with people from everywhere.
“We have to defend and we have to protect them [those who are abused].”
“Obviously I think it’s kind of sad that this happens still,” he team-mate Sane said. “We all support Raheem and are on his side.”
“He’s a strong guy, a good guy and knows how to handle it. He’s not getting down about this stupid stuff.”
Guardiola ruefully acknowledged problems of racism are not merely restricted to football.
“Unfortunately it is everywhere. That is why you have to fight every day. There [must be] zero tolerance on that issue,” he said.
” I appreciate what Chelsea did, if it happened at my club we would do the same.
“We have to fight for the human rights and for everything to make a better society for the future, for everyone.
“Today we are in dangers. Not just in England, everywhere. Absolutely everywhere, all across Europe.”