Micah Richards hits out at claims he only got Sky Sports job because of BLM in powerful anti-racism message
MICAH RICHARDS hit back at critics who claim Black Lives Matter is responsible for his job as a Sky Sports pundit.
The former Manchester City defender says he feels "disheartened" at suggestions and that his reputation will "not be tarnished".
Increased focus has been placed on racial diversity since the police killing of George Floyd in the United States in May.
Players have taken a knee before games with the Premier League placing the BLM logo on shirts for the final weeks of last season.
Former Manchester City and England star Richards feels these changes and considerations should not diminish the effort he put in to become a Sky Sports pundit.
He stated on : "I'm in a privileged position and I did this through hard work.
"And the hard work that I've put in is not going to be tarnished.
"I've got people on Twitter, people on Instagram, 'Oh, Micah Richards is only on because of this whole Black Lives Matter movement'.
"But I've had conversations with corporations that I've worked for way before this.
"And now I'm getting tarnished with the same brush, 'He's only on TV because of Black Lives Matter' - which is disheartening for me.
"Because I put in the work, I work every single day at my craft. I've been a professional footballer, I've won a Premier League, I've played at the highest level... and I'm still getting stones thrown at me.
"So if I've got to fly the flag, people want to throw stones at me - I'll happily take it. Because I know, I put in the work."
Richards, 32, was a rare academy product in a big-spending Manchester City team that won a Premier League, FA Cup and League Cup between 2011 and 2014.
After a decade at the club, he left for Aston Villa but form and injury difficulties led to an early retirement.
Announced as a lead pundit on Sky Sports' coverage ahead of the new season, Richards also paid tribute to fellow analyst Alex Scott.
It comes after ex-Arsenal star Scott was on the end of a backlash after being linked with the vacant Question of Sport presenter's role.
Richards said: "Alex Scott is incredible. She's one of the best I've ever worked with and it's even worse for her because she's a woman, and she's seen as black as well.
"It's double jeopardy. She's in a worse position. She is honestly one of the best pundits I have ever worked with and all you see on social media is: 'Why is a woman working in men's football? She doesn't know.'
"She's played however many times for England, she knows football inside out and more than most people, and to see the abuse that she gets just because someone's left their job or not had their contracts renewed, it's disheartening to see.
"But, at the same time, it just shows we've still got a problem and it's that awkward conversation we all don't want to have but we've got to have the conversation."
Both former players came in for unsolicited criticism when Matt Le Tissier, Charlie Nicholas and Phil Thompson were surprisingly removed from Sky Sports' Soccer Saturday show.
Arsenal legend Ian Wright fumed at "stinking mouthed racists" who blamed black pundits for the decision.
And Richards has urged people to "work together" to end racism in society.
He continued: "Sometimes it feels like it's being forced on people and it's almost turning people the other way, like white people now feeling like they're getting tarnished with the 'racist' brush.
"That's not fair, you read Instagram and Twitter, 'Why am I getting tarnished with that brush?'.
We all need to understand that there is a problem, not just at the lower level but at the top level.
Micah Richards
"So you're damned if you do, damned if you don't. Everyone's got their own opinions on how things can change but I think we just all need to work together.
"We all need to understand that there is a problem, not just at the lower level but at the top level.
"If a black person or ethnic minority wants a chance, they've got to put themselves forward. I'm here working for Sky Sports, one of the biggest networks, because I believe in myself."
Richards earned a positive reaction on social media, with viewers praising his punditry skills as well as his powerful message.
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Twitter user Liam wrote: "Best pundit going no debate."
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Steve added: "Micah Richards has fast become one of the best pundits currently around and is getting the work on merit. Nothing else. It's sad that he is made to feel that way by some ignorant people. You can tell the pundits who wing it and don't do their research. He isn't one of them."
And Ethan tweeted: "Got a lot of time and respect for Micah Richards great personality, work ethic and good pundit."