sport news Raheem Sterling is a voice for change... but never intended to be

It was never Raheem Sterling’s intention to lead football’s crusade against racism.

On December 9, as he deliberated over whether to send an Instagram post that thrust the issue back into the spotlight, he never thought it would catapult him to the forefront of a movement to erase racial prejudice from the game for good.

Having been abused by Chelsea fans at Stamford Bridge the day before, Sterling’s objective — primarily as a black sportsman — was only to speak up because he believed he had been wronged.

Raheem Sterling never meant to be one of football's most influential voices for change

Raheem Sterling never meant to be one of football's most influential voices for change 

Sterling thrust football's racism issue back into the spotlight after an incident at Chelsea

Sterling thrust football's racism issue back into the spotlight after an incident at Chelsea

His post that day forced football to re-evaluate. Calling out the media, this newspaper included, on how certain stories are reported dependent on the subject’s skin colour struck a chord.

Thank heavens he found the courage to tap out that social media post. Thank heavens he is, albeit reluctantly, leading the campaign against racism.

‘I didn’t mean to be a leader because I don’t think I am leader in this movement,’ said the Manchester City forward. ‘It’s something I’ve been seeing over a while and I thought it was a bit sad at times and I wanted to bring awareness to it.

‘I didn’t want to say anyone was racist. I just said something about the wording of stories. I didn’t want to say (Chelsea supporters) were actually being racist.

‘I just said it was what you (the media) were putting, and then people will judge me, and have it in for me if they’ve got bad thoughts.

‘But no, I don’t see myself being a leader in this. I have just been speaking up on a situation that is serious.’

Yet for someone who admits to stumbling into his role as modern football’s voice against racial prejudice, he is doing an excellent job. On Monday night in Podgorica, Sterling’s leadership qualities shone through.

He admits he did not hear the racial abuse from Montenegro fans during the game. He was only

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