Former Blues left-back Tyrone Mings has pulled out of an interview with Talksport in protest at their coverage of the alleged racist abuse of Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling at Chelsea at the weekend.

Four fans have been suspended from Stamford Bridge during the investigation of the incident, while Sterling, 24, subsequently accused newspapers of portraying young black footballers in a manner which helps to “fuel racism”.

Commenting on Talksport on Sunday, ex-Reading and Stoke frontman Dave Kitson claimed some players “make themselves a target” and that Sterling may have antagonised people and incited jealousy by posting about his luxury lifestyle on social media in the past, although adding that there is “no excuse whatsoever”for abuse.

Mings, who joined AFC Bournemouth from the Blues for £8 million in the summer of 2015, took issue with the coverage and pulled out of a scheduled appearance on the radio station.

“I’m meant to be doing an interview with Talksport [on Tuesday] which won’t be happening,” the 25-year-old wrote on Twitter.

“I’m fed up of broadcasting channels who have a huge voice allowing this sort of sh*t to be said. Like someone or dislike them, there is no ‘but’ or grey area when it comes to racism.

“Sometimes silence is just as powerful as trying to force someone to listen to you. If we all don’t do interviews with ‘them’ they will soon start to have a level of appreciation for what we bring to their sport.”

The Bath-born defender added: “I will absolutely voice my opinion and play my part for those who do not have as much of a reach. It has to be in the right way and on the right platforms though. Silence is deadly for stations and outlets who rely on viewers and listeners.”

I’m meant to be doing an interview with talksport tomorrow which won’t be happening.

I’m fed up of broadcasting channels who have a huge voice allowing this sort of sh*t to be said.

Like someone or dislike them, there is no ‘but’ or grey area when it comes to racism. https://t.co/PRMP07DDhp

— Tyrone Mings (@OfficialTM_3) December 10, 2018

Sometimes silence is just as powerful as trying to force someone to listen to you. If we all don’t do interviews with ‘them’ they will soon start to have a level of appreciation for what we bring to their sport 🤷🏽‍♂️ https://t.co/9ShO3YoOCK

— Tyrone Mings (@OfficialTM_3) December 10, 2018

Sometimes silence is just as powerful as trying to force someone to listen to you. If we all don’t do interviews with ‘them’ they will soon start to have a level of appreciation for what we bring to their sport 🤷🏽‍♂️ https://t.co/9ShO3YoOCK

— Tyrone Mings (@OfficialTM_3) December 10, 2018

Photo: Action Images

OldClactonBlue added 14:23 - Dec 11 Well done Tyrone
4

algarvefan added 14:39 - Dec 11 It is just what you would expect from the press in the UK, they never praise BME players like they do Beckham or Kane and are so quick to pick up the negatives on all players. Players in seems are 'one of us' if they are white and not so if they are BME. The game and the country need to change, this has gone on long enough. Oh and nice one Tyrone, you are doing the right thing, maybe all BME footballers should do the same. Racism covert or overt is NEVER acceptable anywhere!!!

2

jayessess added 15:31 - Dec 11 good on him
0

SamWhiteUK added 15:32 - Dec 11 "Dave Kitson claimed some players “make themselves a target” and that Sterling may have antagonised people and incited jealousy by posting about his luxury lifestyle on social media in the past" Soooo exactly like Raheem was complaining about? Portraying young black footballers in a certain way? As if young white footballers don't? Well done Kitson, dumbass. get a grip

1

rugbytomc added 15:47 - Dec 11 Brilliant from Mr Mings. Idiotic from Mr Kitson.
1

Bert added 16:22 - Dec 11 Racist abuse is too often excused by those who really don't get it and probably never will. Well done Tyrone.
2

SamWhiteUK added 16:54 - Dec 11 So does ajs83 work for TalkSport or is he a racist?
1

cat added 19:40 - Dec 11 Racist behaviour is as dumb arsed and old hat as say, getting a stupid gun tattoo in the current gangland murder culture! Kick it out 👌
0

Marshalls_Mullet added 20:24 - Dec 11 Poor by mings. Most of what I have heard on talksport has condemned the treatment of stirling.
-1

Dissboyitfc added 20:30 - Dec 11 Always liked Tyrone, Can we get him back on loan!
2

Edmundo added 21:00 - Dec 11 This man has more integrity in his fingernail than most pundit's entire bodies. (Thinking mainly Kitson, Sutton here)
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