Dave Kitson addresses comments about Raheem Sterling
Kitson is hoping to replace Gordon Taylor as the chief executive of the PFA
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Dave Kitson has moved to clarify comments he made about Raheem Sterling where he appeared to suggest the Manchester City star had “made himself a target” for racist abuse.
In an appearance on Talksport two years ago, Kitson claimed that posting images of expensive cars on Instagram had left the England international open to abuse just days after Sterling was racially abused while playing for City against Chelsea.
Kitson is now hoping to replace Gordon Taylor as PFA chief executive with his criticism of Sterling in that appearance bringing his stance on racism in the game into question.
But the former Stoke striker is keen to stress that he wasn’t condoning the treatment Sterling suffered and that the “clumsy language” he used at the time doesn’t represent him as a person.
“I said that it gave people a reason to dislike him as a person. Not that he had done anything wrong on his social media account but it gave certain people a platform to vent their ill-informed, ugly views,” he told the Sunday Mirror.
“But I’m distressed that this has somehow morphed into a suggestion I condoned the shocking abuse Raheem suffered or that he otherwise asked for it. Nothing could be further from the truth.
“Perhaps I used clumsy language and for that I apologise. But I never have and never will condone any form of racism. I admire Raheem for taking up the fight and saying: ‘No, I’m not having this’. And I agree with him. More needs to be done. And I’m prepared to do it.
“And if he, or anyone, wants to discuss that matter with me, and what I intend to do, I’m more than happy to have that chat and put his mind – and that of other players – to rest.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments