Liverpool to talk to Sterling over 'laughing gas' film
Tuesday 14 April 2015 17:57, UK
Liverpool will speak with winger Raheem Sterling after footage emerged of him apparently taking nitrous oxide.
Pictures published on The Sun's website appeared to show Sterling passing out unconscious after taking the substance, which is described as a legal high.
The report surfaced as Sterling was playing - and scoring the opening goal - in Liverpool's Premier League game against Newcastle at Anfield.
A club spokesperson said: "We are aware of the story and intend to speak to the player. Any subsequent action will be taken internally."
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers told Sky Sports after the 2-0 win over Newcastle on Monday: "Internally we’ll always look after these types of items.
"He’s a young kid who has been in the spotlight now so he knows the demands of being a top class player and a top class professional.
"It’s not just on the field, it’s off the field as well but I will speak with him on it and we’ll move on."
In his post-match press conference, Rodgers later said: "For me it is something that when you are professional sportsperson at the top level of the game, I don't think it is something you should be doing. It is as simple as that.
"But I will speak to him on it, to see what he says on it. As you can imagine, I have only seen this today.
"We want players here who are super-professional and focused on their football. I know he is. He very much is focused on his football and improving as a player.
"As I have said before, young players make mistakes. As long as they learn from them, that is what is important."
Another report on Sunday showed Sterling allegedly smoking a shisha pipe.
Sterling is currently stalling on talks over a new deal at Anfield and he has been linked with a number of other leading Premier League clubs as well as Real Madrid.
Sky Sports subscribers can sign in to watch extended highlights of Liverpool's win over Newcastle.
