The Liverpool winger Raheem Sterling has become embroiled in more controversy after being pictured allegedly smoking a shisha pipe.
The 20-year-old, who was heckled at the club's new kit launch on Friday over his refusal to sign a new contract, was shown in the Sunday Mirror taking a drag from an orange pipe said to contain fruit-scented tobacco. The photograph on social media was accompanied by a caption that read "1 down another 3 to go" – suggesting there was more to be smoked.
Liverpool have not commented on the photograph but the manager, Brendan Rodgers, may take a dim view of the England international putting his health at risk in this fashion.
Sterling is the latest Premier League footballer to be photographed with a shisha pipe. Arsene Wenger admonished Jack Wilshere earlier this season after the Arsenal midfielder was snapped smoking for a second time.
Of greater concern to Rodgers is Sterling’s reluctance to commit to a new five-year contract at Anfield and his recent admission he has rejected a £100,000-a-week (€138,000) deal from the club. Sterling has two years remaining on his current £35,000-a-week (€48,000) contract and was subject to barbed comments from supporters when helping to launch Liverpool’s new kit at Anfield.
Newcastle visit Anfield on Monday, ideal opponents for Rodgers to get his side’s league form back on track as Newcastle’s Anfield record is woeful. They have lost 16 times and drawn just three of their last 19 visits, their last victory at the ground coming in April 1994.
Liverpool will again be without captain Steven Gerrard and defensive linchpin Martin Skrtel, who both serve the final match of their respective three-game bans. Guardian/PA
