Young was only 11 when first racially abused on pitch

London, June 10 (ANI): Manchester United striker Ashley Young was only eleven, when he was first racially abused on a football pitch.

However, he did not walk off, throw a punch or break down in tears, but went on to score two goals in that Sunday league game to deliver the perfect response to his abuser.

The Manchester United star expressed his regret that the problem still exists.

"In that game the abuse was disappointing. I can't speak for other players but I didn't let it affect me. I had to block it out in that game and get on with it," The Sun quoted Young, as saying.

Young, now 26, says the hatred still exists as he prepares to kick-off England's finals campaign against France tomorrow, with a sickening cloud of racism hovering over the tournament here in Poland and Ukraine.

However, he is trying to remain calm, insisting he will rise above the mindless morons if he is singled out again.

"It's one of those things we shouldn't be sat here talking about in this day and age. It should not happen but, unfortunately, it does. Hopefully we won't hear it in this tournament. UEFA, now, have taken it into their hands and said they'll deal with the matter," he said. (ANI)