Emile Heskey has made a bold claim that Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard were in a better position to receive managerial offers due to their 'skin colour.'
The ex-Liverpool and Leicester City striker, 41, wants to make a splash in the coaching world and is eager for the opportunity to prove himself at a high level.
But Heskey, who was subjected to racial abuse in his playing career, has questioned the lack of BAME (black, Asian and minority ethnic) representation in the EFL and Premier League.
The former England international believes Lampard's first post at Derby County and Gerrard at Rangers showed they were in a better position due to the colour of their skin.
"I couldn't tell you why black people had to be bottom-feeders and then others can go wherever and get a job," he told the Times.
"100 per cent it would be easier [for Lampard and Gerrard]. They are going to get those jobs. I can only point towards skin colours.
"I can point towards medals. Sol [Campbell] has got more than Stevie [actually 6-8 behind but has two titles].
"Ashley Cole's got more than any of them. England's best player for that era. Ash is being given a chance to get on that ladder with Chelsea under-15s."
Heskey has openly admitted that he supports the Rooney Rule, which means clubs must interview candidates from ethnic minority backgrounds for head-coaching positions.
In England, those from a BAME background represent only four top-level positions.
Nuno Espirito Santo is at Wolves and Sabri Lamouchi is at Nottingham Forest, while Darren Moore is at Doncaster and Keith Curle is at Northampton.
Liverpool legend Gerrard, 39, was appointed Rangers boss in 2018 and has expressed his desire to manage the Reds someday.
Chelsea icon Lampard spent one season at Derby before he was appointed Blues boss in the summer.
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