Crystal Palace defender: My family are most affected by racist abuse directed at me

Chris Richards has talked about receiving racist abuse online – with the Crystal Palace defender claiming it is harder for his family to deal with.

The 22-year-old American international signed for the Eagles in July from German giants Bayern Munich.

Richards, speaking as part of a No Room For Racism campaign, told Palace’s website: “I try to think of it as I go about my day – I’m fine just doing my own thing – it’s a problem they have in their day, in their mind all day long.

“It’s not a problem I have with these people, it’s a problem that they have with me.

“I can receive those messages and not think twice about it – but it’s harder for my family and friends to see those things, because they want to protect me. When they see stuff about me it connects to them as well.

“I’ve had that talk with them, that after games they shouldn’t listen to what people say.

“You’re not always going to be on your best game, and so sometimes after tough games you receive messages [on social media]. Definitely being a player of colour, you kind of expect to receive more messages based on your skin colour than your performance.

“I come from a biracial family -my mum is white and my dad is black. Growing up it was a little hard at some points. There were certain parts of Birmingham [in Alabama] where you don’t necessarily feel accepted.”

PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD