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The Last Word With Matt Cooper

Paul McGrath On Racism In Football And How The Game Has Changed

Paul McGrath is one of Irish football's most iconic figures. He is now an ambassador for Repak Team...
Sarah Stacey
Sarah Stacey

6:03 PM - 21 May 2019



The Last Word With Matt Cooper

Paul McGrath On Racism In Football And How The Game Has Changed

Sarah Stacey
Sarah Stacey

6:03 PM - 21 May 2019

Listen to this episode



Paul McGrath is one of Irish football's most iconic figures.

He is now an ambassador for Repak Team Green, and he joined us on The Last Word to discuss his work in this area, as well as his thoughts on how football has changed since his own playing days.

Although he had to put up with some racism from fans, he feels things have become worse over the last few years.

"When I was playing you'd hear the odd shout from someone, but there seems to be groups of people now that are intimidating black players."

"My way of dealing with it was to try and play as well as I could so I could upset the human being that shouted it at me."

He admires the way Raheem Sterling has spoken out against racism in English and European football, describing him as "very brave".

McGrath feels the game is a lot faster now, but thinks he could have fared well if he were playing today: "I'd like to think if I was training the way the lads train now I could have adjusted."

However, he doesn't agree with the vast sums of money players are now earning.

"I wouldn't have been able to deal with the amounts of money they're getting now. I think it's a little bit absurd that a player can be on half a million a week and not even play."

"I got paid a lot of money back in the day and I still think that it was too much."

Paul McGrath On Racism In Football And How The Game Has Changed

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Read more about

Football Ireland Manchester United Paul McGrath Racism Recycling Repak Team Green

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