Former Liverpool goalkeeper David James has insisted that racism is no longer the issue it once was in football.

The Bournemouth shot-stopper believes that the problem has "pretty much" been eradicated from the modern game, talkSPORT reports.

"I struggle with the racist issue in football because I don't see it, and that's not because I've got my head in the sand. In the earlier days, yes [there was some], but the game's changed," he said at the Leaders in Football event at Stamford Bridge.

"There are some wonderful organisations out there which have helped football become a much more enjoyable game for everyone.

"Stuff in the crowd being aimed at players? That's gone, or pretty much gone. I don't hear it anymore."

Racism in football has been thrust back into the spotlight in recent seasons thanks to high-profile disputes between Patrice Evra and Luis Suarez, and Anton Ferdinand and John Terry.