Former Sheffield United striker Colin Kazim-Richards opens up about racist abuse that drove him out of England
Former Sheffield United forward Colin Kazim-Richards has revealed how he moved abroad to play football because of racist abuse he endured in this country.
The striker joined United in 2006 after they won promotion to the Premier League, and moved to Fenerbahçe shortly after.
Now 33, Kazim-Richards is currently playing for Mexican club Pachuca and counts Galatasaray, Celtic and Feyenoord amongst his former clubs.
And, in an interview with The Mirror, the Turkish international admitted: "I’ve had a very good career but it has been affected by my obstinate stance on all types of racism, bullying and oppressive behaviour.
“I suffered abuse at the hands of football club supporters, teachers, police, coaches and managers and political systems all my life.
“The day after returning from Euro 2008, I was handcuffed, pushed face down to the ground in Walthamstow, East London. For what? Driving a nice car and fitting the description. Without me saying a word, for once.
“Of course I was not charged or arrested, mainly because I hadn’t done anything wrong.
“I walked out on my boyhood club, the club of my dreams, because they refused to protect me or even acknowledge the abuse.
“I can look back now and say that if I just sat and took it like a good boy, I could have been able to achieve top status in the UK. Would I go back and do it differently? No way.
“Many of my colour and creed have been described as having a chip on their shoulder.
“So, someone has got an attitude towards being badly treated and that’s wrong? How?
“The thing is that description is only labelled at black, brown and poor people.”