An innocent Instagram post where Raheem Sterling showed off his new tattoo ignited a controversy that was blown completely out of proportion.
The English striker posted a picture where his new tattoo, an assault rifle, could be seen. Immediately, fans had their say about the artwork on Sterling's skin, and some even demanded the player to be dropped from the National Team.
Here's Sterling's original post.
Outraged fans demanded Sterling's head due to the fact that murders in London have escalated in the past year, with gun and knife murders being the weapon of choice. Members of anti-gun foundations voiced their complaints about the tattoo, calling it "sickening" and an "absolute disgrace".
Later, Sterling shared the backstory to the controversial tattoo, trying to ease some of the tension created by the picture.
"When I was 2, my father died from being gunned down to death. I made a promise to myself (that) I would never touch a gun in my life time. I shoot with my right foot, so it has a deeper meaning...N still unfinished," Sterling wrote on Instagram.
In order to set the record straight about Sterling's chances of being expelled from the team due to this controversy, the FA issued a statement supporting the player, disregarding all protests on the matter.
"We all support Raheem Sterling and acknowledge the honest and heartfelt accounte he gave via Instagram last night. He and the rest of the squad are focused solely on preparing for the forthcoming World Cup," an FA spokesman stated.
The striker is considered as one of the best players in England's squad. Let's see if this controversy doesn't deter him from his ultimate goal: contributing to a potential successful run in the World Cup with the Three Lions.
