Former Premier League striker Craig Bellamy has given an insightful explanation of the role the media play in British football and society.
The fall-out from Raheem Sterling's recent Instagram post calling out certain media coverage continues this weekend as Bellamy gave his take on the issue. The Welshman was speaking on Sky Sports prior to Manchester City's tie against Everton.
Sterling pointed out how unfair coverage can "fuel racism and aggressive behaviour." Bellamy recalled his own personal experience with this, citing a report in a national newspaper after his move from West Ham to Man City in 2009.
I was always portrayed as a certain individual. I didn’t really speak to the media, everyone knew that and they didn’t have time for me. They only saw the snarling player on the pitch and so they fuelled people’s opinions.
When I left West Ham to go to Man City I was told to go home because the deal is getting done, but certain journalists put out on the same Saturday that I had gone on strike. Can you image what West Ham supporters thought towards me? So my safety was in question; West Ham supporters are not the most forgiving at times. The amount of threats I had on the back of that…
Bellamy went on to cite the broadcaster that he was speaking on: "I saw other journalists talking about it and even on Sky. They can write a little paragraph apologising saying it wasn’t true, but the damage is done."
He also discussed Pep Guardiola's recent comments that "racism is everywhere" and cited reports that suggest hate crime spiked after the recent Brexit referendum.
"He is going to get the support within the club and (from) the manager. I like the manager's interview as well on it. This is a society problem. If we didn't get the warning sign from Brexit I don't know what was."
Sterling was omitted from the Manchester City team for today's game, but Guardiola explained it was purely down to squad rotation.
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