---
title: "Is it time for Liverpool fans to stop abusing Sterling?"
canonical: "https://readliverpoolfc.com/articles/is-it-time-for-liverpool-fans-to-stop-abusing-sterling/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Henry Jackson"
section: "Articles"
published: "2019-08-06T07:15:52Z"
modified: "2019-08-06T07:15:52Z"
---

# Is it time for Liverpool fans to stop abusing Sterling?

The abuse that is hurled towards Raheem Sterling from some Liverpool supporters needs to stop.

The former Reds winger angered many when he opted to join Manchester City in the summer of 2015, not least because of the way he forced through the transfer.

Following Sunday’s Community Shield clash between Liverpool and City, however, the 24-year-old was seen signing autographs and posing for photographs with Reds fans, despite boos being aimed at him all afternoon.

It was a classy moment from a classy individual, highlighting why he should now be forgiven for past antics.

**Read Liverpool Verdict**

The level of hatred that a section of Liverpool fans still treat Sterling with has become tedious, four years after he left the club.

Granted, the winger handled the situation very poorly back in 2015, but not only was he just 20 years of age at that point, his representatives also did him no favours.

Since then, Sterling has matured into one of the most important sportsmen in the country, proving to be one of England’s most down-to-earth, interesting characters.

Portrayed in some sections of the media as the embodiment of the modern footballer – rich, flash and distant from reality – that couldn’t be further from the truth.

He tackles race issues head on, gives huge amounts of money to charity and largely keeps a low profile.

One thing that should be stressed is that booing Sterling in order to affect his game is absolutely fine – in fact, it’s to be encouraged.

The City speedster has been visibly affected on his return to Anfield several time, with a vociferous reception having a negative impact on his game.

This is no call to be extra-nice to Sterling, but those who scream abuse and still actively dislike him fall into the camp of being irrational.

Yes, he upped ship and left Liverpool for another side – it’s been the correct decision on his part – but so have many players over the years, yet they have been forgiven.

Sterling has reached a point where he is playing at a world class level and he should be respected by Liverpool supporters, having seen him grow from a 15-year-old into one of Europe’s best forwards.

Getting under his skin when City come to town is a positive, but knock the uncalled for amounts of vitriol on the head.