Raheem Sterling

Following a single-vehicle crash on the M3 on 28 May 2026, Sterling was initially arrested on suspicion of offences including driving while unfit through drugs, dangerous driving, possession of a Class C substance and failure to provide a specimen. In August, the charges ultimately announced were dangerous driving, possession of nitrous oxide for wrongful inhalation and failure to provide a specimen. No charge of driving under the influence of drugs was announced in the public charging statement. A hearing was scheduled for 15 September 2026.

Attribution

Directly implicated

In summer 2024, after his omission from a matchday squad, Sterling's representatives publicly sought clarity about his future and Enzo Maresca confirmed that he was not part of his plans. Following a loan to Arsenal, Sterling returned to Chelsea but continued training separately, on a different pitch, in a different gym and at different times from the first team — a situation widely described as the 'bomb squad'. On 28 January 2026, his contract was terminated by mutual agreement with 18 months remaining.

State of the evidence

Documented

Legal status — source text

Not applicable

Attribution

Directly implicated

Sterling and Joe Gomez were involved in a physical confrontation at the England training camp following tensions between Manchester City and Liverpool. Sterling was excluded from the following match against Montenegro.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Personally implicated

Ahead of the 2018 World Cup, an M16 rifle tattoo on Sterling's leg prompted calls for him to remove it or be excluded from the England squad. The controversy attracted nationwide attention.

State of the evidence

Documented

Legal status — source text

Not applicable

Attribution

Personally implicated

After allegedly being subjected to racist abuse at Stamford Bridge, Sterling accused certain newspapers of contributing to racism through markedly different coverage of young Black and white players. His post sparked a major debate about media treatment of Black footballers.

State of the evidence

Documented

Legal status — source text

Not applicable

Attribution

Personally implicated

While Liverpool sought to extend his contract, Sterling gave a BBC interview denying that he was a 'money-grabber' and explaining that he wanted to defer any decision. The club and Brendan Rodgers criticised the way the interview had been arranged, while remarks by his agent further intensified the dispute before his transfer.

State of the evidence

Documented

Legal status — source text

Not applicable

Attribution

Personally implicated

A photograph purportedly showing Sterling smoking a shisha pipe was published while he was already involved in a contractual dispute. It fuelled criticism of his professionalism and lifestyle.

State of the evidence

Reported by the press

Attribution

Personally implicated

A video appeared to show Sterling inhaling nitrous oxide. Brendan Rodgers publicly criticised the behaviour and reiterated the standards expected of a professional player.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Personally implicated

Sterling was charged with common assault following a separate incident while playing for Liverpool. He pleaded not guilty. In May 2013, the charge was dropped when the witness failed to appear and the prosecution offered no evidence.

Attribution

Directly implicated

In a separate case, Sterling was accused of assaulting a former partner. The prosecution collapsed after the complainant's testimony was regarded as insufficient or disappointing by prosecutors, and Sterling was cleared.

Attribution

Directly implicated