'I'll be happy' when 'black coaches' are given 'equal chances' - Sterling
 |
| Raheem Sterling. An English professional winger. In the photo, Sterling in action during a training session at the Manchester City Football Academy. The winger also plays for the England National Team. Widely regarded as one of the best players in the world. Photo: Matt McNulty-Manchester City/Manchester City FC via Getty |
Progress in the fight against racism will only come in football when more black players become managers, England and Manchester City forward Raheem Sterling says.
Thousands of people have taken part in anti-racism marches in the UK, following the death of American George Floyd on 25 May in Minneapolis.
"The protest is a great starting point, to make your voice be heard," he said.
"But just protesting alone is not going to make a change in this country."
Speaking to the BBC's Newsnight programme, the 25-year-old added: "It's how we move on from here. It's about highlighting things, the society that needs changing, and then acting upon it. We've done a lot of talking, and it's time now to act."
Sterling said: "The coaching staff that you see around football clubs: there's Steven Gerrard, your Frank Lampards, your Sol Campbells and your Ashley Coles. All had great careers, all played for England.
"The change is being able to speak to people in Parliament, people at the hierarchy at my football club and give equal chances to not just black coaches but also different ethnicities.
Raheem Sterling at the training ground 👇
"Give black coaches, not just coaches but people in their respective fields, the right opportunity.
"There's something like 500 players in the Premier League and a third of them are black and we have no representation of us in the hierarchy, no representation of us in the coaching staffs.
"Once we do see those numbers shifting, that's when I'll be happy."
Full Story
No comments: