Ainsley Maitland-Niles hails Raheem Sterling as ‘brave’ after revealing his own experiences of racism

Ainsley Maitland-Niles hails Raheem Sterling as ‘brave’ after revealing his own experiences of racism
Arsenal midfielder Ainsley Maitland-Niles has praised Raheem Sterling for being ‘brave’ and speaking out about racial discrimination and revealed his own experiences when playing in Germany.The Manchester City star was subject to alleged racist abuse during his side’s 2-0 defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.3

Ainsley Maitland-Niles has shared his experience with racial abuse

Sterling later issued a statement on social media in which he highlighted the influence he believes the media have on fuelling racism and compared two articles to support his case.The incident has caused a huge debate, being described as a watershed moment in football and Maitland-Niles, speaking ahead of his side’s clash Qarabag FK tomorrow, shared his own experiences of racism.He explained: “Yes, I have (been racially abused). Not at a professional level but growing up in the youth ranks I have.“It was pretty much similar to what Raheem got to be honest.“I literally went out to pick up the ball for a throw-in and there was a bit of racial abuse behind me.3

Raheem Sterling was allegedly racially abused on Saturday

“What can I do? I just got on with the game, as he did. It hurts. It hurts me to talk about it.“I think it’s disgusting, honestly. I really do credit Raheem for coming out and standing up for himself and other players and speaking about it.“But, I just think that if a lot of football clubs and some of the players too can join forces to really put our heads to it and try to kick it out, it would be the best thing possible.”When asked if Sterling going public could be turning point in eradicating racism, the 21-year-old responded: “I hope so. I really do hope so.“Raheem is a good, brave lad for doing it and I just hope that more people put their ear towards him and have some sympathy for him, because it’s not the first time it’s happened and we just want it to be the last.3

The Arsenal youngster said Sterling was ‘brave’

Maitland-Niles says his dad was his support network when he suffered the abuse – and admitted it “hurts” to relive the incident.He commented: “It hurts to think about it. But I think that’s why it’s so important that we need to get rid of it from the game.“It’s not just footballers who need to be on board with it. It’s everyone else: the press, the media and the staff as well.“At the time, I just spoke to my dad about it and he did sort of give me the heads up and showed me a few things about racism before my time, when I was playing football, just as there still is in the game now.”

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