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Liverpool duo Gini Wijnaldum and Emre Can have spoken out about the sickening racism they have been forced to endure.

Holland midfielder Wijnaldum revealed that he had been a target for online abuse via social media during his time on international duty.

“A few years ago I was away with the Dutch national team and we have quite a lot of black players,” he said.

“One day after training we went back to the hotel and when we were in the elevator, Memphis Depay took out his phone and said ‘let’s take a selfie’. He posted it on Instagram.

“The reaction we got under that picture was disgusting. There were people calling us the ‘n’ word.

“At that time it was November and in early December in Holland we have a traditional thing in Holland called Sinterklaas. It’s basically a party for children who get presents.

“A big old white man is on a horse and then the black people help him. In those comments they said we were like slaves and called us *******. It wasn’t nice to see.”

Based on the historical figure of Saint Nicholas, Sinterklaas has become increasingly controversial in recent years as Santa’s helper is known as Zwarte Piet (Black Pete).

“In Holland they discuss it now because the black people aren’t happy about it,” Wijnaldum added.

“It’s something from back in the days when black people were slaves and worked for white men. Everyone under the picture said we were like Black Pete and we had to work for white men.

“The government dealt with the people who said these things on Instagram and they had to pay a fine but I think they can do more to solve this problem.

“Every year it continues in Holland. It’s supposed to be a good thing for the children but it’s really messy because of the racism around that time.

“People don’t realise how big racism still is. We play for all the people in Holland. We want support, not racism.”

Can was born in Frankfurt but his parents are Turkish and he explained how they had been left hurt by a recent experience when he flew with them to Germany from the UK. His mother was wearing a hijab, a veil worn by Muslim women.

“Two months ago I had a day off and I wanted to fly to Germany. I had to book at the last minute,” Can said.

“My mum was wearing a hijab. She was here with my dad. We couldn’t sit together on the plane.

“There were two seats next to each other. My mum and dad wanted to sit together but they had other seats.

“My best mate was there too and he asked the man ‘can they sit there please?’ He said ‘no, show me your ticket’.

“My friend said ‘please, they just want to sit together’ and the man said ‘no’ again. The reason he said no was because my mum was wearing a hijab. It was a bad thing. It was racist.

“It was actually a former player but he didn’t see me as I was at the back of the plane.”

Wijnaldum and Can were speaking alongside Liverpool Ladies’ Satara Murray and Kate Longhurst on a panel of special guests for a ‘Show Racism The Red Card’ event at Anfield.

They conducted a Q&A session with more than 100 pupils from local schools before posing for photos and signing autographs.

Howard Gayle, the first black player to represent the Reds, also spoke to the youngsters.

“I played in a game where I was called a ****** by an opponent and the referee turned away,” he told them.

“I played at the Olympic Stadium in Munich where 60,000 people were making monkey chants. It inspired me to play well but not everyone is able to handle it like that.

“Last year I was nominated for an MBE and I turned it down. I explained my reasons for doing so. Some of the comments people put online were horrific.

“It’s a form of ignorance. Education is the key word. You young people are going to shape the future.”

Wijnaldum added: “It’s so important that youngsters understand the importance of reporting racism – whether they experience it or witness it – to a teacher, parent or family member.”

‘Show Racism The Red Card’ was established over 20 years ago and uses the profile of professional footballers to promote their strong anti-racism message to young people.

Chief executive Ged Grebby said: “We have a great relationship with Liverpool Football Club and they have continued to show great support for the campaign season after season. Each year the club shows its commitment to making Liverpool FC and Anfield a welcoming and inclusive environment.”