Southgate condemns racism as UEFA charges Montenegro

LONDON: Gareth Southgate has called for education to stamp out racism in football as European governing body UEFA opened disciplinary proceedings against Montenegro following abuse aimed at black England players during his side’s 5-1 Euro 2020 qualifier win in Podgorica.

Raheem Sterling celebrated the fifth goal on Monday by cupping his ears towards the home fans as a sign of defiance, while Callum Hudson-Odoi said he and Danny Rose heard monkey noises aimed at them.

"Sanctions are worthless if there is nothing alongside that to help educate people," said England coach Southgate. "My kids don’t think for one minute about where people are born, what language they speak, what colour they are.

"There’s an innocence about young people that is only influenced by older people. So we have to make sure that the education is right for everybody. "In our country, (it’s) the same. I’ve said this before, I’m not sitting here just criticising what’s happened tonight because in our country we have the same issue."

England coach Southgate said the racist chanting had marred the win, which leaves England in charge of Group A following two big wins. Sterling tweeted a picture of his goal celebration, saying: "Best way to silence the haters (and yeah I mean racists)".

"It’s 2019 now, I keep saying it. It’s a shame to see this going on," he told Sky Sports. "It’s now time for the people in charge to put a real stamp on it because you can fine someone, but what is that going to do?"

UEFA announced on Tuesday that disciplinary proceedings had been opened, with charges against Montenegro including racist behaviour. The case will be dealt with on May 16. The Football Association called the abuse "unacceptable at any level" and said it would assist UEFA’s investigation.

"On Monday evening, England players were subjected to abhorrent racist chanting while playing in a UEFA EURO 2020 qualifier in Montenegro," said an FA spokesman. "This is unacceptable at any level of the game and we welcome UEFA’s decision today to take disciplinary action."