Rose Supports Sterling Over Media Criticism

By Max Wise

Tottenham Hotspurs left back Danny Rose has backed international teammate Raheem Sterling’s criticism of the media over their portrayal of black players.

Sterling suffered racist abuse whiles playing for Manchester City against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League in December last year, and he took to social media to point out how the British media were helping fuel vilification against black players.

Sterling referenced how headlines about two Manchester City youngsters, Tosin Adarabioyo who is black, and Phil Foden who is white, buying houses had been crafted in the media.

While Foden is described as having “set up a future” after buying a £2m house for his mother, Adarabioyo is portrayed as spending £2.25m on a house “despite having never started a Premier League match”.

"Raheem was only saying what we all say in the dressing room," left-back Rose told BBC Sport. "It's sad really but he's 100 per cent spot on with what he said.

"The stick he used to get from the media was bang out of order. When he put the post up about the media we were all over the moon with that because we all agree. Fair play to Raheem.

"One of the few positive things about social media now is you have a voice and you can influence people.

"Now it's not just boys in the dressing room talking about the media targeting Raheem, the general public have now seen it.

"We hope it changes but it doesn't affect Raheem in any way, which we are all grateful for."

Rose and Sterling are part of the England squad for the EURO 2020 qualifying games against Czech Republic and Montenegro.