The Premier League fears the two high-profile racism storms that have "rocked" English football are damaging its global brand, according to Sami Mokbel of the London DAILY MAIL. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Raheem Sterling have been at the center of two racism controversies in as many weeks, "triggering questions about how tolerant English football is." The Premier League "swiftly released a statement condemning the incident at Stamford Bridge concerning Sterling," who was allegedly racially abused by a Chelsea fan. But while the "flashpoint has dominated the news agenda" in recent days, the incident has "hardly been visible" on the Premier League's official website. Indeed, it is understood there are concerns the incidents involving Aubameyang and Sterling are "having an impact on the way the Premier League is perceived across the world." Top-flight execs have "successfully shaped the Premier League into one of the most lucrative and multi-cultural divisions in world football." But there is a realization the two incidents, which happened in the space of six days, could "seriously damage the gleaming image they have worked so hard to nurture" (DAILY MAIL, 12/12).
