Raheem Sterling ‘furious’ after ex-Premier League chief claims some black players ‘would be in jail if not for football’
RAHEEM STERLING has reportedly been left furious over comments made by a former Premier League chief about black players.
Stuart Webber, who was sporting director at Norwich between 2017-2023, has sparked anger after talking about helping the less privileged.
The former Liverpool chief used young footballers as an example, including players who came through at Norwich.
But he has caused upset after suggesting some players would be at risk of going to jail if not for football.
The Welshman, 39, said: “We want to help the guys who really need it, not the ones who are maybe privileged. I saw that with our young footballers.
“Jonny Rowe wouldn’t mind me saying it but him, Abu Kamara, Max (Aarons), Jamal (Lewis), Raheem (Sterling) back in the day at Liverpool.
“Where they come from it had to work out for them in football, because the alternative is potentially jail or something else.”
The players in question, including Sterling, are deeply offended by the comments according to The Mirror, while one has made contact with Webber and asked him to explain himself.
It prompted a backlash from two of the named players’ mothers as well as campaigner for anti-racism organisation Kick It Out, Troy Townsend.
The mum of Bournemouth defender Max Aarons, Amber, wrote on X: “I’m shocked at Stuart Webber’s casual racism and blatant disrespect for all of these black players and their families.
“As @maxaaron2 mum and a good friend of @jamal_lewis1 mum @catrina_lewis12 I know there is not a chance any of those boys, now would have been in jail.”
Catrina Lewis, mother of Watford loanee Jamal Lewis, added: “That’s not true at all… very unprofessional comment to make!!! How can that assumption be made Stuart???”
Townsend, father of Luton ace Andros Townsend, posted: “I bet Jonny Rowe would mind, as would the other players and their families.
“Makes you wonder what gets said behind closed doors about them if this is what the club’s former Sporting Director is prepared to say publicly. Utter disgrace.”
Webber is understood to have reached out to apologise to the players and their families for his comments.