Pep Guardiola has hailed Raheem Sterling as an "incredible person" after the Manchester City and England winger spoke out amid allegations he was subjected to racist abuse.
Sterling issued a statement via his Instagram account on Sunday, in which he drew contrasts between media coverage of black and white footballers in the UK – a disparity he believes "helps fuel racism and aggressive behaviour".
The post came a day after Sterling was targeted by Chelsea fans during City's 2-0 Premier League defeat at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea suspended four people from attending their matches pending an investigation, with the club and the Metropolitan Police launching investigations into whether the England international was racially abused by supporters.
Sterling's public stance has won widespread support and, speaking alongside Leroy Sane ahead of his team's Champions League match against Hoffenheim at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday, Guardiola spoke warmly and passionately of the 24-year-old's human qualities in the midst of a bleak situation.
"Leroy said it perfectly, he is an incredible person. Raheem is an incredible human being," the City manager said.
"It’s tough to understand today what happened years ago, for the whole history for the black people.
"You have to protect how equal we are, all together. It's tough to understand in the 21st century, we are still in that position – not to accept the diversity that helps us to be better.
"That is why sport is amazing. You live with different people. My kids go to school with Indian people, with black people, with people from everywhere.
"We have to defend and we have to protect them [those who are abused]."
The flashpoint in City's weekend match came when Sterling went to collect the ball for a corner and was berated by Chelsea supporters leaning towards the advertising hoardings, including one man who appeared to use a racial slur.
The fan in question, Colin Wing, denied racially abusing Sterling but conceded he was "deeply ashamed by my own behaviour" in an interview with the Daily Mail.
On suffering abuse of the alleged nature, Sterling wrote: "Regarding what was said at the Chelsea game, as you can see by my reaction I just had to laugh because I don't expect no better,"
"Obviously I think it's kind of sad that this happens still," he team-mate Sane said. "We all support Raheem and are on his side."
"He's a strong guy, a good guy and knows how to handle it. He's not getting down about this stupid stuff."
Guardiola ruefully acknowledged problems of racism are not merely restricted to football.
"Unfortunately it is everywhere. That is why you have to fight every day. There [must be] zero tolerance on that issue," he said.
"I appreciate what Chelsea did, if it happened at my club we would do the same.
"We have to fight for the human rights and for everything to make a better society for the future, for everyone.
"Today we are in dangers. Not just in England, everywhere. Absolutely everywhere, all across Europe."
14 – Raheem Sterling has been directly involved in more Premier League goals than any other player this season (8 goals, 6 assists). Rested. #WATMCI pic.twitter.com/P1XYlpR6AO
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) December 4, 2018
Returning specifically to media criticism of Sterling, who has starred for City with eight goals and six assists in 13 Premier League appearances this season, Guardiola added: I don't know, really, the reason why.
"Hopefully the reason would be a criticism if he plays s*** or plays bad. That would be perfect! Everyone is exposed to that, the managers and the football players.
"But just for the colour of his skin? Right now, that is ridiculous. That is why everybody has to make the effort to protect this situation."
