Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Ilkay Gundogan supports Manchester City teammate Raheem Sterling and recalls his own experience of racism

The German claims he was racially abused in the summer following Germany's early exit from the World Cup

Jack Watson
Friday 14 December 2018 12:21 GMT
Comments
Raheem Sterling abuse: Black Chelsea fan explains why he didn’t react to alleged racist tirade

Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan has offered his support to Raheem Sterling and recalled his own experiences of racism.

Chelsea and the Metropolitan Police have launched an investigation into alleged racist abuse aimed at Sterling from a supporter at Stamford Bridge during City’s 2-0 defeat last week, their first Premier League loss of the season.

Gundogan revealed he has been the target of racial abuse just months ago following Germany’s embarrassing early exit from the World Cup. Mesut Ozil’s performance in a much-fancied side prompted a backlash and forced the Arsenal midfielder to retire from international football.

Both Gundogan and Ozil, who are of Turkish descent, controversially posed for a photo with the then president of Turkey president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan. After their group stage exit from the summer tournament, Ozil claimed he was “German when we win but an immigrant when we lose”.

Gundogan admitted “we have to deal with it” when asked about racism in the sport and said footballers must stand strong when faced with it.

“It's not easy because I lived it in the summer as well. I know how that feels and it hurts,” he said. “We have no other choice but to stay strong and try to go through that period and try to do our best on the football pitch. To keep being successful, that's what matters.”

In a lengthy post on Instagram, Sterling drew attention to negative press coverage he and other black footballers have been subject to, suggesting that the media helps to “fuel racism” with their “aggressive behaviour”.

“Raheem has been normal, to be honest," said Gundogan. "I think he made his point clear through Instagram, giving a statement on that.”

“I don't know if there is any more to say about that. This is obviously something that doesn't belong anywhere in the world, but it happens. I think he got a lot of support this week.'

Ilkay Gundogan claims to have suffered abuse following Germany's early World Cup exit

Chelsea have suspended four supporters until the investigation into the alleged abuse is completed and Blues manager Maurizio Sarri said all forms of discrimination is ‘disgusting’.

“I think the way Chelsea reacted was good,” Gundogan added. “Obviously it's something we all have to fight, we all have to play our individual roles to make it better for everyone.”

Pep Guardiola’s side face Everton on Saturday following a mixed week where their unbeaten domestic start to the season came to an end, but they qualified for the Champions League knockout phase as group winners.

City have a number of key players injured ahead of this weekend’s clash, but Gundogan insists the defending champions must not use it as an excuse as they target three points to temporarily move above Liverpool in the table.

“We have to deal with it,” the German said of City’s mounting injury list. “Nothing will change. The season is so long that it's normal to get injuries. It won't be easy, but we will do our best. We're playing at home and we want to get the three points and be successful.”

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in