Premier League bosses want urgent talks with prominent black players as they step up racism battle

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Prominent black players are to be consulted by the Premier League over racism
England's top-flight has been rocked after recent allegations of racist abuse
Raheem Sterling was subjected to alleged racism on a recent trip to Chelsea
Pierre-Emeirck Aubameyang had a banana thrown at him against Tottenham

Published: 17:56 EDT, 17 December 2018 | Updated: 19:19 EDT, 17 December 2018

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Premier League bosses want urgent talks with prominent black players as they step up their fight against racism.

English football's top-flight has been rocked by a worrying racism storm this month, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Raheem Sterling both victims of alleged prejudice at matches.

Chelsea supporters have also been accused of singing anti-Semitic chants over the past seven days.

Raheem Sterling was allegedly subjected to racist abuse from sections of Chelsea fans

As a result, the Premier League are accelerating their efforts to eradicate racism from the game.

Sportsmail understands top-flight bosses are seeking dialogue with a number of the Premier League's leading black stars to discuss what they believe can be done to combat racism.

The league will also seek talks with black former players as well as other leading anti-racism figureheads and bodies.

The recent incidents of racism have significantly damaged the Premier League's global brand - while there has also been calls for a media blackout in a bid to spark change.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang recently had a banana thrown at him in the win over Tottenham

But Premier League chiefs are determined to use the recent instances to bring about permanent change.

The development comes just 24 hours before Wednesday night's north London derby between Arsenal and Tottenham.

The last time the two rivals clashed, a banana skin was hurled at Aubameyang, triggering disturbing memories of historical racism in English football.

Over the weekend sportswear giants Nike started their own anti-racism campaign, with a poster featuring Manchester City star Sterling, who was the alleged victim of racial abuse at Stamford Bridge earlier this month.