Players' union chief defends Liverpool's Raheem Sterling after laughing gas 'blip'

PLAYERS' UNION boss Bobby Barnes has urged fans not to be 'too hard' on Raheem Sterling following his latest off-field indiscretion.

Raheem SterlingGETTY

Raheem Sterling was filmed apparently inhaling laughing gas

Brendan Rodgers admitted last night that he would be talking to Sterling after footage emerged of the 20-year-old appearing to inhale laughing gas.

But Barnes, deputy chief executive of the Professional Footballers' Association, says the England international should be given some leeway.

He said: "Nobody would condone the use of these types of substances whether legal or otherwise as footballers are seen as role models.

"It does send a message to young people that if it's good enough for footballers then it's good enough for them and that is not desirable.

He's a young man, growing up in public eye and he's made a mistake. Let's not be too hard on the boy.

Bobby Barnes

"But you have to bear in mind that we ask an awful lot of young players growing up in the public eye.

"Many of us look back at things we have done in our teens and early 20s and wish we hadn't done them."

Sterling has already come in for criticism over his contract demands at Anfield after reportedly turning down an £100,000-a-week offer recently.

But Barnes believes Sterling can put his latest 'blip' behind him and go on to have an excellent professional career.

Raheem Sterling heckled during live unveiling of Liverpool's new home kit

He added: "He's made a mistake and people are human. I am sure this will be a minor blip on his path to a fantastic career.

"Players have to be aware that there is camera on every corner - they are very much in the spotlight.

"He's a young man, growing up in public eye and he's made a mistake. Let's not be too hard on the boy. He is under a lot of pressure and people think because he has a lot of talent he's also supposed to have diplomacy and wisdom.

"In the main he's doing a very good job, he's at a good club and has a good manager and I'm sure Brendan will put his arm around him and at the same time make him aware of his responsibilities."

Would you like to receive news notifications from Daily Express?