Some of England’s star players who played during the international break against Montenegro were racially abused, causing Raheem Sterling to speak out yet again.

Sterling has become a voice of reason and a sort of ambassador of equality in football.

Racists chants were reportedly directed at a number of England players, with defender Danny Rose subjected to monkey chants towards the end of the match, when the Tottenham player was being shown a yellow card.

Speaking to Sky Sports in the mixed zone after the match, Sterling said:
“All of us know what skin color we are so they’re not saying anything new.

“It’s 2019, I keep saying it, and it’s a shame to see this keeps going on.

“We can only bring awareness and light to the situation. It’s now time for the people in charge to put a real stamp on it. You’ve got to punish people a bit harder, you’ve gotta do something that makes them think twice.

“If you can’t play in front of fans then that’s going to make them think harder. Me and the FA can only do so much, we’ve got to leave it to the people in charge to make a proper stance on it.”

On Monday, England manager Gareth Southgate described the incidents as “unacceptable” and “very sad,” especially as Callum Hudson-Odoi who had an amazing international debut was not asked about the experience, but rather about the racist comments of fans.