Subtle racism.

England and Saracens lock Maro Itoje has opened up about the ‘subtle racism’ that he feels is widespread in sport and says black players are judged by ‘power and speed’ – instead of their skill.

The British and Irish Lions lock feels black players are being judged to different standards based on their colour and that they are routinely being pigeon-holed for a lack of skill and being ‘all pace and power.’

“This is not just about sport. This covers how black people are portrayed in any kind of news, there is always a difference.” Itoje said

“When they report a murder of a white male, it’s a teenage boy from a loving family in the suburbs, brutally murdered. When it’s a black boy murdered, he was “wearing a hoodie”.”

“It’s the same in punditry – a lot of the time when they describe black players they talk about athleticism, their power, their speed. They don’t talk so much about their skill, their deft touch.”

Itoje was speaking in a podcast interview with Alastair Campbell, the ex-Downing Street Press Secretary, and his daughter Grace, a comedian and activist. Listen to the show on Apple Podcasts by clicking here.