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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
World
Jack Rathborn

England vs Czech Republic: Kyle Walker insists racism is 'everywhere' and not just confined to football

Kyle Walker insists racism is everywhere and made a passionate plea for his team-mates to rise above it.  

Raheem Sterling has recently spoken out about his own abuse and the need to stand up to discrimination. 

While Chelsea have lodged a complaint over England debutant Callum Hudson-Odoi suffering racist abuse while in Kiev in the Europa League, and Walker has added to the conversation.  

“I think it’s just the world that we live in,” Walker told ITV News

“You can pin up banners, you can put t-shirts on saying keep racism out of football, but it’s not just football. It’s everywhere.

 ”Just be yourself, it doesn’t matter if you’re Asian, black or white.”

Danny Rose has also backed Sterling’s recent claims about racism, insisting the entire dressing room agrees with stance. 

“Raheem was only saying what we all say in the dressing room,” Rose told BBC Sport.

“It’s sad really but he’s 100 per cent spot on with what he said.  

“The stick he used to get from the media was bang out of order. When he put the post up about the media we were all over the moon with that because we all agree. Fair play to Raheem.

“One of the few positive things about social media now is you have a voice and you can influence people.

Kyle Walker has joined the conversation over racism (Action Images via Reuters)

“Now it’s not just boys in the dressing room talking about the media targeting Raheem, the general public have now seen it.

“We hope it changes but it doesn’t affect Raheem in any way, which we are all grateful for.”

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