Racism is real and how we react and handle is the most important thing. Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola says Raheem Sterling should only be criticised for poor performances and urges everyone to “fight everyday” against racism.
The England international was the subject of alleged racial abuse during Saturday’s Premier League game at Chelsea in which City lost the match 2-0.
And Guardiola thinks it’s representative of a wider societal issue with racism still heard “all over Europe”.
“The problem is everywhere,” Guardiola said. “It is not just in football, unfortunately. If it was, it would be safe.
“It happens with refugees, immigrants all over the world. Our grandfathers and grandmothers were refugees at some stage.
“We have to fight everyday. I appreciate what Chelsea did and we have to fight for the human rights, everything, to make a better society.
“We have to fight to make a better future for everyone.”
Pep Guardiola has said “racism is everywhere”.https://t.co/xClQ9bhqpc pic.twitter.com/AZRHaxZkiG
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) December 11, 2018
“It happens everywhere, all over Europe.”
On whether he was proud on Sterling for speaking out, Guardiola added: “He is an incredible person, an incredible human being.
“It is tough to understand what happened throughout history for black people. We have to protect how equal we are.
“It is tough to understand in the 21st century that this happens. My kids go to school with Indian people, black people, everywhere.”
When asked if Sterling attracted more criticism than other players, Guardiola continued: “I don’t know.
“When I arrived, I spoke with him and I know he was active on social media.
Guardiola was absolutely brilliant on racism – in football and society – and on Sterling’s stance. pic.twitter.com/B8o3Babwd7
— Jonathan Smith (@jonnysmiffy) December 11, 2018
“I told him to protect his social life and he did. He is more mature on and off the pitch, he has kids.
“If Raheem is going to get criticism it should be if he played sh*t. That would be perfect. Just for the colour of his skin is ridiculous.”