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Arsenal youngster Ainsley Maitland-Niles has claimed he was racially abused as a youngster.

Maitland-Niles faced the media on Wednesday afternoon ahead of Arsenal's clash with Qarabag in the Europa League.

He admits he has faced similar issues to Raheem Sterling, who was allegedly the target of racial abuse during Manchester City's defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

"It is disgusting. It happened to me before in youth football, similar to what happened with Raheem," Maitland-Niles said.

"I went out to take a throw in and there was racial abuse behind me.

"I was at Arsenal at the time, It was an away trip to Germany. I spoke to my dad and he gave me the heads up."

(Image: David Price)

Maitland-Niles confirmed he was around 12 at the time of the incident and decided to respond with his performance on the pitch.

“I only thought they were doing it because I was having a good game," he added.

“It is one way of them knocking me off my game and making me feel uncomfortable.”

(Image: Action Images via Reuters)

Sterling has received widespread backing following the incident after a defiant social media post and Maitland-Niles hopes it will make a difference.

"I really credit Raheem for coming out and speaking about it," Maitland-Niles said.

"It hurts to talk about it but it is so important to get rid of it from the game."