Former Portsmouth striker Dave Kitson responds to controversial comments in racism debate

Kitson believes comments he made over Raheem Sterling and his use of social media are being misinterpreted and incorrectly given racist overtones.

Those comments have been picked up on by the likes of former Arsenal striker Ian Wright in recent days, who felt those words would undermine the PFA’s work on racism if Kitson was involved.

The man who was signed by Steve Cotterill in 2010 responded by clarifying his views and original interview with talkSPORT two years ago.

He told the Daily Mirror: ‘I said that it (Sterling’s use of social media) gave people a reason to dislike him as a person.

‘Not that he had done anything wrong on his social media account but it gave certain people a platform to vent their ill-informed, ugly views.

‘But I’m distressed that this has somehow morphed into a suggestion I condoned the shocking abuse Raheem suffered or that he otherwise asked for it. Nothing could be further from the truth.

‘Perhaps I used clumsy language and for that I apologise. But I never have and never will condone any form of racism. I admire Raheem for taking up the fight and saying: “No, I’m not having this”. And I agree with him. More needs to be done. And I’m prepared to do it.

‘And if he, or anyone, wants to discuss that matter with me, and what I intend to do, I’m more than happy to have that chat and put his mind – and that of other players – to rest.’