Keshi Anderson praises Raheem Sterling in wake of Montenegro abuse

KESHI ANDERSON praised England International Raheem Sterling for his stance taken against racism in football following the abuse aimed at England players in their recent victory over Montenegro in the European qualifiers. Total Sport Swindon’s Ryan Walker got the thoughts of the Swindon Town midfielder earlier this afternoon.

With racist abuse being directed at players of Gareth Southgate’s squad in England’s mid-week match against Montenegro, much has been made of the punishments - or lack of them - being imposed on nations by footballs governing body FIFA. 

Eligible to represent both Nigeria and England on the international stage, Anderson heaped praise on fellow footballer Raheem Sterling for his handling of the difficult situation.  

“I saw Sterling on Twitter and I think him as a player who has had a lot of criticism from the English media and now out in Europe, and the way he has handled it and reacted to it is an example for everyone,” said Anderson.

“I’ve never been a victim of it [racial abuse] in football, but it happens still in today’s game and it’s something everyone wants to stamp out.

“You can only do that with people stepping up and fighting back against it.

“I think Sterling with the way that he’s doing it is courageous in itself because being the one being attacked and victimised is something that can knock you as a person but he’s fighting back against it,” he said.

Starting his professional career at Crystal Palace, Anderson has featured in both League One and League Two of the English Football pyramid playing for a host of different clubs. 

And when speaking on the issue of racial abuse within the sport, the 23-year-old forward detailed how abuse is still rife throughout the various leagues.

“It still happens here and in football every day,” stated Anderson.

“I think in the leagues further down it happens more often and maybe higher up the leagues it gets brushed under.

“I think it needs more attention as a whole from the FA and everyone involved,” he said.