Raheem Sterling andAnthony Joshua , have called racism a "pandemic" that needs to be stopped.- Thousands took part in Black Lives Matter demonstrations across the United Kingdom following the death of
George Floyd . - Speaking at one demonstration, Joshua said: "This is out of control. And I'm not talking about Covid-19. The virus I'm talking about is called racism."
- Sterling mirrored Joshua's comments in an interview with the BBC, saying: "Just like the pandemic, we want to find a solution to stop it."
Two of England's most prominent athletes, Raheem Sterling and Anthony Joshua, have called racism a "pandemic" that needs to be stopped.
Thousands of people have taken part in Black Lives Matter demonstrations across the United Kingdom following the death of George Floyd, a 46-year-old black man who died in the United States on May 25 after police officer Derek Chauvin knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes during an arrest.
Chauvin has since been charged with second-degree murder.
Speaking at one demonstration in Watford, IBF, WBA, and WBO world
"We stand united against a virus which has been instrumental in taking lives, taking lives of the young, old, rich, poor; a virus which is unapologetic and spreads across all sectors."
While most demonstrations have been peaceful, some have been marred by violence, including in London on Saturday when protestors threw projectiles, fireworks, and bottles at police.
Joshua condemned such behaviour, insisting demonstrations must be peaceful.
"We need to speak out in peaceful demonstrations — just like today, so well done Watford. We must not use a demonstration for selfish motives and turn it into rioting and looting."
Sterling mirrored Joshua's comments in an interview with the BBC
"This is the most important thing at this moment in time because this is something that is happening for years and years," the Manchester City and England forward said.
"Just like the pandemic, we want to find a solution to stop it. This is what all these protesters are doing. They are trying to find a solution and a way to stop the injustice they are seeing and they are fighting for their cause.
"As long as they are doing it peacefully and safely and not hurting anybody and not breaking into any stores, they continue to protest in this peaceful way."
Sterling, 25, has been the subject of racial abuse himself before on numerous occasions.
In December 2017, he was outside Manchester City's training ground near a man who used racist language towards him, according to the BBC. A year later, he was abused by a Chelsea fan during a game at Stamford Bridge.
Sterling has been outspoken on the incidents, and has also criticized the media for its portrayal of black athletes.
"And at this moment in time, there's only so much people can take. There's only so much communities and other backgrounds can take — especially black people," he said.
"It's been going on for hundreds of years and people are tired and people are ready for change.
"I keep saying this word. I see a lot of people on social [media] supporting the cause. But this is something that needs more than just talking.
"We need to actually implement change and highlight the places that do need changes.
"But this is something that I myself will continue to do, and spark these debates and get people in my industry looking at themselves and thinking what they can do to give people an equal chance in this country.
"Hopefully other industries can do that, and everyday society and the system as well."
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