Premier League and both of UEFA’s club competitions have come under intense scrutiny and disrepute following incidents of racism towards players. Raheem Sterling, Callum Hudson-Odoi , Danny Rose are some of the players that have had the misfortune to be victims of such vile acts recently.
Sterling’s social activism is well known in the community as he has invested whole heartedly in charity over the years. Alongside , the Man City forward has been prolific on the pitch scoring goals and also in voicing out relevant opinions about racism.
“I don’t think generally that walking off is a great solution, but players should not be punished for it,” wrote Sterling in an article penned for The Times.
“Punishments need to be harsher and money just doesn’t hurt the rich clubs or football associations. So I would call for an automatic nine-point deduction for racist abuse.
“It sounds harsh but which fan will risk racist behaviour if it might relegate their team or ruin their title bid?
“As well as that, the club should have to play three games behind closed doors. That way, they lose revenue as a direct consequence of racist behaviour.”
Raheem Sterling also addresses the part of racism that goes beyond the football match.
“The aim should be for that number to be the same percentage as players on the pitch,” he writes.
“For example, black players make up about 25 to 30 per cent of teams in the top four divisions, so that should be mirrored with coaches (it is now about 4 per cent) and in boardrooms (0.5 per cent).
“By doing that, there will be people looking out for black players and holding anyone to account who acts in a racist way. It also sends black players the message that they can go on to have a career in the game after they retire.”