Sterling gets support from FA over tattoo
RAHEEM STERLING has the full backing of Gareth Southgate after the FA issued a statement supporting the player following fierce criticism of a tattoo of a gun on his right leg. The England forward was the subject of calls to be removed from Southgate’s World Cup squad even though he posted an explanation on social media explaining it was ‘unfinished’ but was a tribute to his father, who was murdered in a shooting in Jamaica. The FA went into crisis mode yesterday, but, after discussions that involved Southgate, Sterling and his representatives, the governing body issued a statement backing the 23-year-old Manchester City forward over the picture of an M16 rifle. The statement from an FA spokesperson said: ‘We all support Raheem Sterling and acknowledge the honest and heartfelt account he gave via Instagram last night. He and the rest of the squad are focused solely on preparing for the forthcoming World Cup.’ The tattoo was photographed during an England training session at St George’s Park on Monday and featured on the front page of a national newspaper. A photograph of the tattoo — branded ‘an absolute disgrace’ by one anti-gun lobbyist — was shared by Sterling with his 3.6million Instagram followers, which drew more criticism given the age of some of those followers. Sterling had, however, moved to explain the tattoo in another post. ‘When I was 2 my father was gunned down to death. I made a promise to myself I would never touch a gun in my lifetime. I shoot with my right foot so it has a deeper meaning ‘n’ still unfinished.’ By yesterday afternoon, a number of key observers had echoed the view of the FA, issuing their support for Sterling. Former England captain and Match of
the Day host Gary Lineker said: ‘He’s a terrific footballer with a brilliant work ethic. This persecution is disgusting.’ Sterling’s girlfriend Paige Milian responded to such messages by writing on Instagram: ‘I’m glad people have finally woken up. Thank you all for the lovely comments, messages and support you’ve shown toward Raheem.’