It seems sad that I have to write an article about footballer’s being racially abused in 2019, but here we are.
What should have been a joyous occasion for the England camp this evening has been soured by the events towards the end of their EURO 2020 qualifying game.
Those of us watching at home, and even the commentary team, were oblivious to any wrongdoing until Raheem Sterling’s goal celebration late into the second half.
Sterling raised his hands to his ears, appearing to be in reference to something the Montenegro fans had been chanting through the match.
It was later revealed that Sterling, Danny Rose, and Callum Hudson-Odoi were all the victims of racial abuse in Podgorica.
Hudson-Odoi claimed that the home fans chanted ‘monkey stuff’ and him and Danny Rose through the match, implying that it sucked the enjoyment out of what was his first start for his country.
Hopefully UEFA actually do something about these allegations, rather
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Odoi, Sterling, and Gareth Southgate all hit out at the abuse post-match (BBC).
Odoi said: “I don’t think discrimination should be anywhere – we are equal.
“When you are hearing stuff like that from the fans, it is not right and it is unacceptable. Hopefully Uefa deal with it properly. When me and Rosey went over there, they were saying, ‘ooh aa aa’ monkey stuff and we just have to keep our heads and keep a strong mentality.
“Hopefully Rosey is OK too. We will discuss it and have a chat. He has a strong mentality and is a strong guy so hopefully everything will be good. Hopefully Uefa deal with it.
“It is not right at all – I was enjoying the game too. We just have to take the win and go back home.”
Raheem Sterling added: “It’s 2019 now. It’s a shame to see this keep going on.
“We can only bring awareness and light to the situation. It’s time for the people in charge to put a real stamp on it. You can fine them but what’s that going to do? You’ve got to do something that’s going to make them think twice.
“In England we have a diverse country and lots of different faces. I can only do so much; the FA can only do so much. The people in charge need to make a proper stance.”
Finally, the manager had this to say: “I definitely heard abuse of Danny Rose when he got booked at the end – it’s not acceptable.
“There’s no doubt in my mind that happened and we’ll report it to Uefa.”
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