Raheem Sterling’s strong stance against racism in football has been recognised at the BT Sport Industry Awards.
The Manchester City and England forward has highlighted media coverage of black players on his Instagram account and called on the game’s authorities to clamp down on racist abuse, with team-mates Danny Rose and Callum Hudson-Odoi subjected to monkey chants during England’s Euro 2020 qualifier away to Montenegro last month.
The 24-year-old was presented with the Integrity and Impact Award by England manager Gareth Southgate at the ceremony in London on Thursday.
Nick Keller, the chairman of the Sport Industry Group, said: ‘The athletes’ voice continues to have a powerful impact across the field of sport and beyond, with athletes like Raheem Sterling doing so much to raise the profile of the issues that affect us.
‘With such a lack of leadership in public life, we see athletes making a stand for real change as something to be recognised and rewarded.’
The Sport Industry Group also tweeted: ‘You have to set examples for younger kids. When the next generation come through, you have to set the example. Keep doing what you’re doing, @sterling7.’
Sterling, speaking on stage, said: ‘You have to set examples for younger kids. When the next generation come through, you have to set the example.’
Southgate, along with the FA and the rest of England’s 2018 World Cup squad, received the Leadership in Sport Award.
He said: ‘Sport’s no different to business. You’re trying to create a culture where everyone can be the best version of themselves.’
