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What's the story?
Following racial abuse faced by Manchester City's Raheem Sterling, Arsenal youngster Ainsley Maitland-Niles has revealed that he has also been subjected to racial slurs when he played for the club's youth level.
In case you didn't know...
In the last few days, Raheem Sterling has been making the headlines for the alleged racial abuse he faced during Manchester City's game against Chelsea on December 8.
A video clip, showing a fan shouting what appeared to be racial slurs at Sterling, has since emerged and it gathered more than 260,000 views in the first two hours.
The FA has condemned the incident saying (via Goal), “We strongly condemn all forms of discrimination and encourage all fans and participants who believe that they have been the subject of, or witness to, discriminatory abuse to report it through the appropriate channels: The FA, our County FAs or our partners Kick It Out.”
The heart of the matter
Maitland-Niles has now joined the host of players and managers who have come out in support of Sterling, revealing that he was also a victim of racial abuse when he was playing for Arsenal at the youth level.
When asked if he has suffered any such abuse, the youngster said (via Sky Sports), “Yes, I have.”
“Not at the professional level, but growing up in the youth ranks. I was 12. I was at Arsenal at the time, it was an away trip to a German side I think.”
“I reported it, but nothing was done about it. I guess I just had to move on from it and become stronger from that.”
The Arsenal man added, "It was pretty much similar to what Raheem got to be honest. I literally went to pick up the ball for a throw-in and there was a bit of racial abuse behind me. What can I do except get on with the game?”
"It hurts to talk about it, it hurts to think about it. But that's why I think it's so important that we need to get rid of it in the game. It's not just footballers that need to be on board with it - it's the press, the media and staff as well.”
"At the time I just spoke with my dad about it. He gave me a heads up and showed me it was racism before a time when I was playing football and there still is in the game now.”
"I just think if a lot of the football clubs and the players can get together and join forces to really put our heads to it and try to kick it out. It would be the best thing possible.”
What's next?
Maitland-Niles will likely be in the Gunners squad that will face Qarabag in a Europa League clash tonight.
