Raheem Sterling’s gun tattoo: Manchester City striker is the tabloids’ favourite target
It’s the lead news story on Sky News and the Sun: Manchester City and England footballer Raheem Sterling has a tattoo of an M16 assault rifle on his right leg. Sterling says the tattoo is a tribute to his father, who was shot dead. Sterling was two when his dad was killed. His tattoo has a “deeper meaning”.
The Sun says Sterling “shoots himself in the foot”. The front page features someone saying “that tattoo is sick”. On page 5, the tattoo is an “absolute disgrace”. It’s “totally unacceptable,” says Lucy Cope of ‘Mothers Against Guns’. Cope says the tattoo is “disgusting” She says: “We demand he has the tattoo lasered off or covered up with a different tattoo. If he refuses he should be dropped from the England team.” Get the right tattoo or else be labelled a pariah. Another voice says the tattoo is “disrespectful to young people who lost their lives.”
The Sun gives no space for Sterling to reply and stops shot of mentioned God, for as it says on Leviticus 19:28: ”You shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor tattoo any marks on you: I am the Lord.”
So why Raheem Sterling’s tattoo front-page news in the Sun?
And:
Story: Nothing to do with Raheem Sterling
The Sun guns for Sterling – commenting unfavourably on how he spends his money.
Is Sterling the only footballer with a gun tattoo? No. This is how the Sun reported on Liverpool’s Alberto Moreno and his tattoo (above):
Alberto Moreno’s new tattoo depicts a short-sighted monkey assassin.
At some point in our lives we’ve all considered getting a tattoo of a Beats-by-Dre-loving, short-sighted, pensive monkey assassin.
But most of us simply can’t find the time to get it done.
Alberto Moreno on the other hand, cleared his schedule and popped down the tattooists to get the *classic* design inked on his thigh. You can’t help but wonder what he’s listening to… The Monkees perhaps?
The Sun saw the funny side.
And what of Arsenal’s Alex Iwobi who celebrates his rare goals by strafing the crowd with an imaginary gun:
Here’s Alex:
Is it different for Raheem?
The Sun says the “FA Code of conduct demands England players be role models even hen not on international duty”. Mad if it does. This is sport. Sterling and the rest need be only role models for their children. The code was introduced in 2012.
The Full Code:
Player Code of Conduct
A) Standards of conduct required at all times
B) Club England values while on international duty
C) Procedures in event of alleged breach of Code——————————————————————————————-
Captaincy
The position of England captaincy is a privileged position which carries with it the additional expectations and responsibility (both on and off the field). The captain of each team is therefore under increased scrutiny and is expected to be a role model to the rest of the squad and is his or her compliance with the code. The captaincy may be removed from a player by the Club England Management Board in the event that his or her conduct does not meet the standards required for the role. The Head Coach retains the right to change the captaincy irrespective of any breach of the Code.
——————————————————————————————-
A. Standard of conduct required at all times:
Players representing England are ambassadors for their country and are role models for younger players. The highest standards of conduct and behaviour are therefore expected at all times, including when players are not on international duty.
Not role models for everyone of us.
It is an honour to play for England.
Avoid anything adverse that may have affect of the reputation of integrity of the England team.
Comment on Twitter/Facebook about opposition, management, individuals could result in disciplinary action by Board of inquiry and CE management board.
No use of drugs without doctor’s permission.
No violence, abuse or discrimination (all forms).
No disclosure of confidential information about any aspect of playing for England.
B. While on international duty; they must:
Respect opponents, officials and supporters;
When travelling to foreign countries, be respectful of their culture and traditions.
Always acknowledge the supporters at the end of the game and on the coach travelling to training and games.
Respect Uefa and Fifa officials at all times.
Respect drug-testing officers at post-match (they’re doing a job).
Respect hotel staff at all times.
Reputations and integrity, abide by FA, Uefa and Fifa rules, no drugs.
Reject and oppose violence, abuse and all forms of discrimination.
Not publish (on Twitter or Facebook) anything that may cause or embarrass a member of the FA, the England squad and management.
Professionalism:
Players should not react, however hard it is, to verbal provocation from the press or fans when in public places (photographers are allowed to follow players in public places, it is not against the law).
Follow directions of team management.
Follow individual team rules.
Wear official sportswear (except footwear).
No personal endorsements.
Not consume alcohol without the express permission of the manager.
Not use drugs or banned substances.
Not use room service.
Not bet on any football matches (this is against FA rules) (and immediately detail approaches with regard to inducements to give information for betting purposes).
Only use a sensible amount of time playing video or computer games.
Note that mobile phones in the meal-room, dressing-room and on the team bus is at the discretion of the Head Coach.
Not discuss team tactics or selection ahead of fixtures outside of the group.
Always be on time for team meetings.
Communication:
All media activity co-ordinated through press office.
All players should play a part in meeting media demands.
Go through mixed zones (guidance that no ear-phones etc worn).
No criticism on Twitter/Facebook.
No Twitter or Facebook comments on the day before the game or the day of the game unless authorised.
No media columns.
Be aware that texts, picture messages, and BBM messages, can become public.
Process:
Investigation carried out by CE.
All players must comply with investigation.
If breach found, then option of sanctions (oral/written warning, exclusion from selection for fixed or indefinite period).
Pending any outside investigation, (CPS etc) CE maintain right to suspend at their discretion.
If case not proven or dropped, players available for selection.
If non-custodial sentence, CE board decide on case-by-case basis.
Custodial – excluded until time to be determined by CE management board.
Serious allegations – captaincy may be removed at discretion of CEMB.
SANCTIONS
4.1: issuing an oral or written warning to the player.
4.2: determining that the player shall not be eligible for selection for a specific number of matches or specific period.
4.3: determining that the player shall not be eligible for an indefinite period.
Where an allegation of serious misconduct has been made, the Club England Management Board may suspend a player while the matter is investigated further and/or pending the outcome of any footballing regulations or criminal investigations.
Serious misconduct includes:
Theft, dishonesty, fraud, deliberate falsification of records.
Assault, battery, violence, deliberate damage to or misuse of FA property.
Breach of safety-security regulations.
Deliberate damage to FA property.
Being under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs.
Any form of discrimination.
Deliberate misuse of confidential information.
Serious breach of FA rules/regs.
No conduct that significant, materially or adversely impacts on reputation or integrity of FA.
ANY decision of CEMB is final – There is no right of appeal.
CEMB have power to publish in the press.
Players are to advise either their national team coach, team administrator or a CE official when they are guilty or have been accused of any criminal offence.
What’s Sterling done wrong?
Posted: 29th, May 2018 | In: Manchester City, Sports, Tabloids Comment | TrackBack | Permalink
