Raheem Sterling is the latest Premier League star to be embroiled in a smoking storm after he was caught on camera puffing on a shisha pipe.
A photograph of the Liverpool forward using the pipe emerged in a national newspaper yesterday.
The image, on the social networking app Snapchat, shows Sterling inhaling the pipe with the message ‘1 down another 3 to go’.
Sterling’s representatives have refused to comment on the photo.
Having already irked Liverpool and their supporters by stalling on signing a new contract, the latest controversy will further overshadow his end to the season.
Meanwhile winger Jordon Ibe is on the brink of signing a new long-term contract with the club and could figure in tonight’s clash with Newcastle after recovering from knee ligament damage.
Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has conceded that Daniel Sturridge is unlikely to find his best form until next season. The striker has suffered a series of injuries this campaign and Rodgers said: ‘The key for him was to get back and be fit, but he needs a good pre-season under his belt.’
Newcastle boss John Carver has concerns over the character of his players and has hinted at a summer clear-out. ‘Maybe I need to change the team and hope that sparks something,’ he said. – Daily Mail