Gary Lineker has spoken out in defence of Raheem Sterling. The footballer, who plays for Manchester City and the England team, has been criticised by the press because of a new tattoo of an M16 assult rifle on his leg. However, Gary Lineker doesn’t see the big issue with the ink. The presenter called the coverage “weird”, and asked the media to “leave him alone”. In a follow up tweet, Lineker wrote that it’s “unique to this country to attempt to destroy our players morale before a major tournament”. He added that the coverage is “weird, unpatriotic and sad”.

Unique to this country to attempt to destroy our players morale before a major tournament. It’s weird, unpatriotic and sad. https://t.co/vCfVTm9w0r

— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) May 28, 2018

Lineker also shared a social media post from Sterling, which explained the meaning behind the tattoo. “When I was 2 my father died from being gunned down”, Sterling wrote on Instagram. “I would never touch a gun in my life time, I shoot with my right foot so it has a deeper meaning”. Sterling also explained that the tattoo was “still unfinished”.

In another tweet, Lineker said that Sterling is “a terrific footballer with a brilliant work ethic”. Sterling is due to play with England in the World Cup this year.

He’s a terrific footballer with a brilliant work ethic. This persecution is disgusting. https://t.co/bx3JArBt1L

— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) 28 May 2018