Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
James Whaling

Joe Gomez 'rejected FA offer to report Raheem Sterling to police' after England fracas

Liverpool's Joe Gomez was reportedly offered the chance to report Raheem Sterling to the police after the two players clashed while on England duty.

Defender Gomez was left with a mark on his face after an altercation with Manchester City forward Sterling at St George's Park in November.

The incident came the day after Liverpool had beaten City 3-1 at Anfield, during which the pair clashed on the pitch, and the FA took Sterling's actions so seriously that they offered Gomez the opportunity to report his international teammate to the police, report the Daily Mail.

However, it was quickly rebuffed by Gomez who made his peace with Sterling and said the flier should be allowed to remain with the squad.

England boss Gareth Southgate was furious with Sterling and dropped him for the Three Lions' Euro 2020 qualifier against Montenegro at Wembley.

Gomez and Sterling clashed at Anfield the day before the altercation at St George's Park (Action Images via Reuters)

Gomez came on as a second-half substitute and was booed by a small section of the crowd.

Southgate has since spoken about the incident, and now believes it can be viewed in a positive light.

"They definitely came close together," Southgate told Sky Sports Football .

"I think Raheem's message once Joe had received the adverse reaction at Wembley was a really powerful one. I think that really brought some closure on the whole episode.

"We're dealing with young men who are going to be emotional at times, and part of the strength of some of players is that edge that they have, I understand that.

"Sometimes you've got to guide them through these things, and I think through that adversity we're stronger as a group for it.

"I think there are situations as a leader that, whatever decision you make you'll be criticised.

"There are some situations where there isn't a perfect solution, and you'll just have to work things together as a group, and time needs to pass.

"I have to make a decision that's right for the team first and foremost, support - in this instance - both of the players, but there are so many people involved in a situation like that, and everybody is going to have an opinion.

"I think those that have managed or coached before understand the complexities of any situation like that, so the most important thing is the team and the performance of the team."

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.