Published 00:54 IST, November 16th 2019
Raheem Sterling condemns England fans for booing at Joe Gomez
England forward Raheem Sterling said that Joe Gomez should not have been booed by the fans in the Three Lions' 7-0 win over Montenegro on November 15.
England forward Raheem Sterling stated that Joe Gomez should not have been booed in the Three Lions' 7-0 win over Montenegro on November 15. While Sterling was seen applauding the defender's 70th-minute substitution in the Euro 2020 qualifiers, England fans from certain sections of the stadium were seen booing as the player entered the field.
Raheem Sterling defends Joe Gomez
Berating the incident Sterling posted a tweet saying that it was difficult to see Gomez getting booed for no fault of his.
The forward also stated that he had taken complete responsibility for what had gone down between him and Gomez during a training session because of which he was dropped from the team against Montenegro. He also said that the fans had no right to insult Gomez without any reason.
England manager Gary Southgate was visibly angry and condemned what had gone down when Gomez was introduced in the 70th minute. He said that he did not understand the actions of the people and no player should be ever made to feel like this.
Southgate condemns the actions of the fans
Southgate also said that Sterling and Gomez shared a close relationship and the midfielder did not want anyone to be treated in such a humiliating manner. The manager stated that he will talk to Joe personally as it is a disappointing experience for anyone, especially since the match was a chance to introduce him to the game at an international level and also to his teammates on the field.
Attacking midfielder for the English football team, James Maddison said that he was also clueless about why the fans started booing the player, but Gomez was strong enough to deal with such a problem.
Liverpool also posted on Twitter in support of their player with a heart.
'Blown out of proportion'
Former Manchester City midfielder Toure said that he was not happy with the way England manager Gary Southgate treated Sterling after he was dropped for England's European 2020 qualifier against Montenegro following an altercation with teammate Joe Gomez. He further added that people were blowing the issue out of proportion as such an incident is a normal occurrence and Southgate should take him back in the team.
England qualify for the main draw
England qualified for the main draw of the UEFA Euro 2020 tournament as they battered Montenegro 7-0 with an 11th-minute goal by Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain followed by 3 goals from Captain Harry Kane in the 18th, 24th and the 37th minute. Marcus Rashford scored in the 30th minute followed by an own goal from Aleksandar Sofranac in the 66th minute. Tammy Abraham sealed the match for England by scoring the 7th and the final goal of the match in the 84th minute.
(With inputs from agencies)
Updated 01:54 IST, November 16th 2019