ENGLAND players should have “taken industrial action” and walked off the pitch in protest at the racist treatment of Raheem Sterling, Unison assistant general secretary Roger McKenzie said today.

The Manchester City striker scored one of five England goals in a Euro 2020 qualifier in Montenegro on Monday. 

His goal was met with racist taunts from home fans, and he put his hands to his ears as he celebrated. 

He later posted a photo of his celebration on Instagram with the caption: “Best way to silence the haters (yeah I mean racists).”

McKenzie, who is one of Britain’s most senior black union officials, told delegates at the RMT’s black and ethnic minority members’ conference: “It’s as if all you’ve got to do to deal with racism is to be brilliant. And as long as you’re brilliant, everything’s going to be all right.

“I think what should have happened is something you’re very good at in the RMT.

“What should have happened is those players should have taken industrial action. They should have picked the ball up and walked off the pitch.”

McKenzie told the Star he was referring specifically to the events on Monday, but that the racist abuse directed at Sterling was “a continuum” and players should stand in solidarity against it.

After the match, Sterling said: “You’ve got to punish people a bit harder, you’ve gotta do something that makes them think twice.”

England manager Gareth Southgate said it was “unacceptable” but Montenegro coach Ljubisa Tumbakovic said he did not “hear or notice any” racism.