'STOP THE INJUSTICE'
Raheem Sterling backs Black Lives Matter protests and says ‘the only disease right now is racism’
RAHEEM Sterling has said racism is "the only disease right now" as protests continue across the UK following the death of George Floyd in America.
Thousands peacefully marched in Black Lives Matter protests across the UK over the weekend as the England footballer backed the demonstrations.
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The Manchester City star has said a solution needs to be found to stop the injustices that are happening.
The midfielder spoke to Emily Maitlis in an interview that will be aired on Monday and explained why he supports the protests despite it being a global pandemic.
The 25-year-old said: "I know this might sound a little bit cheesy but the only disease right now is the racism that we are fighting.
"This is the most important thing at this moment in time because this is something that is happening for years and years.
"Just like the pandemic, we want to find a solution to stop it. At the same time, 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.”
Thousands of Black Lives Matter protesters peacefully rallied outside the US Embassy over the weekend.
Activists in face masks are holding placards reading "I can't breathe" to echo the final words of Floyd after held him down by kneeling on his neck.
Others have taken a kneel in solidarity with those of who have accused police of brutality on a global scale.
The densely-packed crowd also broke out into chants of "enough is enough".
A further 4,000 people have descended on a gathering in Bristol and peaceful demonstrations are also being held in Edinburgh and Glasgow
Protests have largely been peaceful, but tensions between police and protesters have escalated.
In Bristol today, a statue of slave trader Edward Colston was toppled as jubilent protesters jumped up and down on it.
Dramatic pictures show crowds holding up signs reading "Black Lives Matter" as they chant the name of the movement.
Towards the end of the evening, police and protesters clashed in the capital.
Images showed a police officer with blood coming down his face as colleagues treat him on the pavement.
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Boris Johnson tweeted tonight: "People have a right to protest peacefully & while observing social distancing but they have no right to attack the police.
"These demonstrations have been subverted by thuggery - and they are a betrayal of the cause they purport to serve. Those responsible will be held to account."
Met Police have said a dispersal order is in place in Westminster until 6am as images show demonstrators being arrested.
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