sport news England rugby star Maro Itoje slams coverage of black players who are judged by ...

England rugby star Maro Itoje has opened up about racism in sport and says black players are judged by 'power and speed' - and not skill.

The Saracens lock says 'subtle racism' results in players being judged to different standards based on their colour.

He said black players are routinely being pigeon-holed for a lack of skill and being 'all pace and power.'

England rugby star Maro Itoje has opened up about 'subtle racism' within sport that means black players are judged by 'power and speed' as opposed to skill

England rugby star Maro Itoje has opened up about 'subtle racism' within sport that means black players are judged by 'power and speed' as opposed to skill

Itoje completed a successful season with Saracens by winning the Premiership and the European Cup

Itoje completed a successful season with Saracens by winning the Premiership and the European Cup

Itoje also backed footballer Raheem Sterling in highlighting the difference between how rich black and white sportsmen are represented.

This includes their portrayal when splashing the cash to buy their parents a home - one being described as a 'lovely' act, the other being 'flashy and overpaid.'

Itoje was speaking in a candid podcast interview with Alastair Campbell, the ex-Downing Street Press Secretary, and his daughter Grace, a comedian and activist.

The podcast, titled 'Football, Feminism and Everything in Between', is available on Wednesday.

Itoje also backed England footballer Raheem Sterling in his fight against racist attitudes

Itoje also backed England footballer Raheem Sterling in his fight against racist attitudes

Some England players were subjected to racial abuse during a recent clash in Montenegro

Some England players were subjected to racial abuse during a recent clash in Montenegro

Itoje said: 'This is not just about sport. This covers how black people are portrayed in any kind of news, there is always a difference.

'When they report a murder of a white male, it's a teenage boy from a loving family in the suburbs, brutally murdered. When it's a black boy

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