England International Raheem Sterling recently exposed a tattoo of an M16 assault rifle inked on his right calf and it caused a massive controversy among the fans.
Anti-gun supporters have described the tattoo as “totally unacceptable” and “sickening”. Lucy Cope, who founded Mothers Against Guns, had told The Sun that the tattoo was “an absolute disgrace”. She then called for Sterling to have the tattoo lasered off or covered up and believed that he should be dropped by the England squad if he refused to do so. Cope further added, “He’s supposed to be a role model but chooses to glamorize guns”.
Raheem Sterling has posted a response on Instagram to so-called ‘outrage’ at him getting a gun tattoo on his leg. pic.twitter.com/LPdJNgkhec
— City Watch (@City_Watch) May 28, 2018
Sterling decided to give an explanation for his choice and said: “When I was two my father died from being 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 and still unfinished”
Here’s an idea, @sterling7:
Stick a big X across that assault rifle tattoo & the words ‘NO TO GUNS’. Then it works how I presume you intended it to work.
At the moment, it looks like you’re glamourising gun use. pic.twitter.com/zXnGOSShdT— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) May 29, 2018
Even though his father was killed in a shooting in Jamaica when he was just two, explained that he was ardently against guns and that the tattoo symbolized the ability of his right foot as well as being a tribute to his deceased father, a few journalists like Piers Morgan still refused to back-off from the issue while some like Gary Linekar strongly believed that Sterling did nothing wrong.
What next? Ban films with guns? The Arsenal badge? It’s his business what kind of art he has tattooed on his body. https://t.co/T6cnZxiZML
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) May 29, 2018
Morgan declared that Sterling’s tattoo was inappropriate because it was the same gun sometimes used in school shootings in the USA. After Sterling posted his explanation, Morgan said: “Perhaps he should explain it better then. Because I fail to see why tattooing an assault rifle on your leg does anything to combat gun violence.” Comments like these show that some players like Sterling always get attacked becasue of their choices and their sense of ethics, whether or not the attacks are justified, they are however omnipresent in the world of today. While some have taken the issue with seriousness, some have resorted to humoring the crowds.
We don’t understand why Raheem Sterling getting stick for having a tattoo of Peter Crouch on his leg🤷🏻♂️🤷🏻♂️ pic.twitter.com/ATW2cx3ZYV
— Extra Time (@ExtraTBlog) May 29, 2018
Can’t believe Raheem Sterling’s still in the England squad after being outed for having something to eat, going shopping then getting a tattoo, next he’ll be putting his rubbish in the recycling bin, if he does that he leaves Southgate no choice.
— Tom Fields (@tomfields) May 28, 2018
With Raheem Sterling @sterling7 being big news at the moment just want to clarify that the Tiger used in our badge is only clip art and not the real thing. pic.twitter.com/YKzB5GVrMp
— Hyde United FC (@hydeunited) May 29, 2018
2 weeks to Russia
We should be proud of Raheem Sterling, a hugely gifted footballer preparing to represent England in the World Cup. Yet as ever, when the press in this country is confronted with any form of talent its first instinct isn’t pride but working out how it can cut them down 🚮
— Matt Zarb-Cousin (@mattzarb) May 28, 2018
Sterling scored 18 goals and provided 11 assists for the winners of this year’s Premier League so one would expect Sterling to be loved and supported by all the England fans. At just 23-years old, Sterling has already represented his country at two tournaments and played key roles for two of England’s biggest teams, Liverpool and Manchester City. As a player with pace, flair and an eye for goal, Sterling is a rarity in the England setup.
Amazing feeling to be named in the @England squad, for this summers World Cup in Russia!! #DreamsIntoReality #GodIsGood pic.twitter.com/JXpw8yzp9o
— Raheem Sterling (@sterling7) May 16, 2018
In just two weeks, the World Cup finals begin in Russia. The country was expected to hype their chances and lauding their star players. But that is not the case this time as some parts of the fanbase seem to be hell-bent on finding reasons to criticise the character of one of the country’s best players, Raheem Sterling.
Oh pur-lease.
We fail at World Cups because we don’t play well enough.
If you can’t stand a bit of media scrutiny, go and be a dustman. https://t.co/jI8NHkHDnK— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) May 29, 2018
When Piers Morgan was called out on his attacks on Sterling and how it might affect the player’s World Cup performance, he simply replied: “Oh Pur-lease. We fail at World Cups because we don’t play well enough. If you can’t stand a bit of media scrutiny, go and be a dustman.”
FA to the rescue…
The FA has come out in support of Raheem Sterling after he was criticised for his gun tattoo.
👉 https://t.co/tF5I4eLhSR pic.twitter.com/zIr4lfrZpg
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) May 29, 2018
The Football Association immediately jumped to the defence of the accused player on Tuesday after the 23-year old England star recieved flak over his decision to have an assault rifle tattooed on his leg. The FA pledged its unequivocal support to Sterling after praising “the honest and heartfelt” account he gave to his followers on Instagram. “We all support Raheem Sterling and acknowledge the honest and heartfelt account he gave via Instagram last night,” an FA spokesman said. “He and the rest of the squad are focused solely on preparing for the forthcoming World Cup.”
Summary of things Raheem Sterling can’t do according to the English press:
– Stay in nightclubs until 3am
– Put a nice sink in a house
– Fly with EasyJet
– Drive a dirty car
– Propose to his girlfriend
– Eat breakfast
– Shop in Poundworld
– Eat something from Greggs— 🐝 (@Beardamendi) May 28, 2018
Although Sterling was heavily criticised in some parts, many expressed their support and sympathy for the England International and feel that he has been unjustly accused.
Raheem Sterling the only person I’ve ever seen criticised for both shopping in Poundland & hiring a private jet. So all of you going on about classism, it’s not that either. Stop being blind. This is just pure racial bullying, less of a dogwhistle and more of a foghorn
— Congolesa “Fire @Jack” Rice (@judeinlondon2) May 29, 2018
This is the kind of story about Raheem Sterling that should be making the front pages of newspapers. https://t.co/801m3tasaU
— Kristan Heneage (@KHeneage) May 28, 2018
Raheem Sterling is a brilliant role-model for kids. He’s unfailingly polite; he ignores life’s haters; he works incredibly hard to improve himself and become the best that he can be; and he takes care of his mum.
— Stephen Tudor (@SteTudor123) May 29, 2018
