Gareth Southgate underlines need for education after England players suffer racial abuse in Montenegro
The Three Lions boss insists society must get to the root of the problem after Callum Hudson-Odoi and Danny Rose were subjected to monkey chants
Gareth Southgate has called for education in the fight against racism after the disgraceful abuse suffered by England's players in Montenegro.
The Three Lions sealed an impressive 5-1 victory to take control of their Euro 2020 qualifying group, but the football became a mere side note after Danny Rose and Callum Hudson-Odoi were subjected to monkey chants from the home supporters.
Raheem Sterling celebrated the fifth goal by pulling his ears as a sign of defiance to what he later called 'racists' on social media.
And speaking after the game, Southgate argued that society must get to the root of the issue instead of handing out 'worthless' sanctions.
"I don't think I need to comment on what was said," England boss Southgate said. "It was clear to everybody that there were comments made.
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"Reflecting on sanctions, sanctions are only of any use if they lead to education.
"Sanctions are worthless if there is nothing alongside that to help educate people.
"My kids don't think for one minute about where people are born, what language they speak, what colour they are.
"There's an innocence about young people that is only influenced by older people. So, we have to make sure that the education is right for everybody.
"In our country, (it's) the same. I've said this before, I'm not sitting here just criticising what's happened tonight because in our country we have the same issue. We're not free of it.
"You can sanction clubs (or countries), but frankly that's not going to stop one or two people who are of a mindset from doing what they want to do.
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"So, we have to make sure that we educate young people because we have a better chance with young people and then we've got to lead that as far and as wide as we possibly can."
UEFA are set to investigate and their regulations state that if supporters engage in racist behaviour then 'the member association or club responsible is punished with a minimum of a partial stadium closure'.
It was a sad end to an impressive night for England, who showed resolve and skill as they scored five goals or more in back-to-back matches for the first time since 1984.
Ross Barkley's brace was complemented by goals from Michael Keane, Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling as the Three Lions overcame the hosts' early opener.