Sterling wants 9-point penalty for racism

London, April 23

Raheem Sterling has called for clubs whose fans racially abuse players to be hit with a nine-point penalty, saying current punishments meant the issue was “nowhere near being sorted” by football authorities.

The Manchester City forward has become increasingly outspoken on racism in football ever since he was abused on the pitch while playing for his club and also on England duty.

Recently, he cupped his hands to his ears in response to derogatory chants from Montenegro fans while playing for England last month.

Now Sterling has become one of the signatories to a manifesto published in Tuesday’s edition of Britain’s The Times newspaper calling for more black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) people in positions of power within football, more severe punishments for racist abuse and greater action by social media organisations, sponsors and traditional media.

“It sounds harsh, but which fan will risk racist behaviour if it might relegate their team or ruin their title bid?” Sterling said. “I don’t know how long it will take for things to change but we have to start now.” — AFP