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.
“The protest is a great starting point, to make your voice be heard, but just protesting alone is not going to make a change in this country.” The 25-year-old suggested. 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.” He added
Sterling said there needs to be greater black, Asian and minority ethnic representation among administrators and coaching staff in British football, and that equal opportunities should be given to former BAME players.
As an example, he compared four former England internationals making their way in management: Chelsea’s Frank Lampard and Rangers’ Steven Gerrard, both white, and Sol Campbell and Ashley Cole, both black.
Campbell’s two management jobs to date have been in lower-league football, at Macclesfield and Southend, while Cole started coaching Chelsea’s Under-15s after ending his playing career last year.
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.
“At the same time, they’ve all respectfully done their coaching badges to coach at the highest level and the two that haven’t been given the right opportunities are the two black former players.
“Give black coaches, not just coaches but people in their respective fields, the right opportunity. It’s not just taking the knee; it is about giving people the chance they deserve. “Sterling added.”Once we do see those numbers shifting, that’s when I’ll be happy and the people will be happy.”
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