Guardiola praises Sterling for confronting racism

Pep Guardiola has praised Manchester City star Raheem Sterling for refusing to be intimidated by the menace of racism in football. Sterling endured alleged racial abuse from a Chelsea fan during City’s 2-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
The 24-year-old was targeted by the supporter while he was standing near fans on the touchline. Sterling appeared to laugh off the shocking incident at the time, but the abuse has drawn widespread condemnation amid fears the sport is being dragged back to the dark ages of the 1970s and 1980s when racism was rife.
The England winger later accused the media of fuelling racism in the way it reports certain stories about black players. And former England assistant coach Gary Neville revealed this week that Sterling complained during Euro 2016 of constant criticism from fans that carried racist undertones.
Speaking for the first time since the Chelsea incident, City manager Guardiola backed Sterling and hailed his decision to speak out on the controversy. “I was concerned with what happened but he made a statement on Instagram and was quite clear about his thoughts,” Guardiola told reporters yesterday.
“He’s an incredible person, an incredible human being. It’s tough in the 21st century to still be in this position, to have problems with diversity. We have to be better, everyone.”
Guardiola believes racism is a deep problem in society, not just football, and insisted more must be done to combat it. “It’s everywhere, racism is everywhere. People focus on football but it’s not just in football. You’d think in football we’d be safe but racism is everywhere,” he said.
“What happens today — how we treat immigrants and refugees, when once in our lives our grandfathers were refugees. It’s everywhere. That’s why we have to fight every day. We have to fight for human rights to make a better society for the future. Today it’s dangerous, not just in England, all across Europe. The message for the politicians is for them to be tough on human rights and we have to defend democracy in the best way.”
Former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss Guardiola also pointed out the media has a crucial role to play in keeping racism in check.
“Today the real power is the media, not politicians, not the governments. It’s the media,” he said.
The Metropolitan Police have launched an investigation into the Stamford Bridge incident, while Chelsea have suspended four supporters. “I appreciate what Chelsea did,” Guardiola said. “If it happened in my club we should do the same.”
Guardiola, whose side host Hoffenheim in the Champions League today, made it clear comments about players should restricted to performances on the field rather than straying into foul abuse. “Hopefully the criticism is when he plays bad. That would be perfect. Everyone is exposed to that — the managers, the players, everyone around the world,” he said. “But just for the colour of his skin? Believe me, that’s ridiculous and that’s why everyone has to protect from that situation.”
Sterling’s teammate Leroy Sane also believes the former Liverpool player has shown great dignity in dealing with the abuse. “I think it’s sad this happens still. We all support Raheem and are on his side,” Sane said. “He is a strong guy, a good guy. He can handle it and he is not letting it get him down.”

City down to 15 players for
Hoffenheim clash: Guardiola
Meanwhile, Injury-hit Manchester City have just 15 senior players fit for today’s Champions League tie against Hoffenheim, Guardiola revealed. David Silva and Fernandinho have joined an injury list at City that already featured Sergio Aguero, Kevin De Bruyne, Danilo, Benjamin Mendy and Claudio Bravo.
“We have 15 players available so I cannot do too much,” Guardiola said when asked if he would make changes against Hoffenheim. City are already through to the Champions League last 16, but they need at least a point to be sure of finishing as Group F winners, which could ensure an easier draw in the first knockout round.
“We are going into a really tough game. We are in the next stage and that’s important but we want to go through finishing first. If you finish first or second the last 16 is tough but to play at home (in the second leg) is a small advantage.”
Guardiola’s injury problems come after City suffered their first Premier League defeat of the season at Chelsea on Saturday, a setback that saw Liverpool move above them into top spot in the table. Spanish midfielder Silva was substituted at Chelsea with a hamstring injury and Guardiola said he faces “a few weeks” out. Argentina forward Aguero, who has missed three games with a groin problem, could return to face Everton on Saturday.