Twitter Reacts as Raheem Sterling Reportedly Goes AWOL from Liverpool Training

The Raheem Sterling transfer saga has been roaring along with all the pace of a BBC period drama, but this summer's most protracted contract situation took an interesting twist Wednesday. According to numerous reports from sources, including Jamie Jackson of the Guardian, the 20-year-old did not show up for training at Melwood, citing illness. Furthermore, Andy Hunter of the Guardian is among those claiming Sterling does not want to be a part of Liverpool's pre-season tour of Asia...  

Predictably, the latest twist in the Sterling transfer tale has prompted plenty of mockery in the Twittersphere...

"

It shows Raheem Sterling is still grounded that he's phoned in sick so he can stay at home to watch the #Ashes2015 like the rest of us

— Simon Dawkins (@simondawkins23) July 8, 2015"

"

Sterling "doesn't want to play for Brendan Rodgers"? That's progress. There were eleven players not wanting to against Stoke.

— Not Brian Kettle (@briankettle) July 8, 2015"

One kind soul offered Sterling some practical advice concerning his phone contract...

However, it may be the case that there's nothing wrong with Raheem's phone...

Aside from those looking to raise a smile, the majority of reaction on Twitter focused on Sterling's perceived lack of professionalism and the disservice he is giving his current club and manager... 

"

How can Raheem Sterling disrespect the club and the manager who gave him his break in football so much?

— Jamie (@Jamie_1807) July 8, 2015"

"

Imagine being 20 years old and turning down £100,000 a week! Whoever is representing Raheem Sterling needs to be sacked. Ruining his career.

— Liam Ross (@LiamRoss10) July 8, 2015"

Unsurprisingly, Liverpool fans have been almost unanimously unimpressed with Sterling's conduct... 

"

Bin Sterling the sooner the better.

— PeteKopite (@PeteKopite) July 8, 2015"

"

Raheem Sterling's new squad photo. pic.twitter.com/mjbWaNsRV8

— Kop 305 (@Kop305) July 7, 2015"

Many Reds supporters have come to terms with Sterling's inevitable departure, but they are firm in the belief that the future is bright: The future is Jordon Ibe...  

"

Jordan Ibe will be better than Raheem Sterling

— Sean Austin (@saustin28) July 8, 2015"

"

Jordan Ibe stays at home no holiday, for extra training. Sterling refusing to go on tour. Such a difference between the two.

— Eathen.. (@hunter_troll) July 7, 2015"

"

Sterling wont travel on tour as he is too good for us, Ibe wont go on Holiday coz he feels he ain't good ENOUGH for us!I know which i prefer

— Anfield Pulse (@AnfieldPulse) July 8, 2015"

"

Jordan Ibe attitude wise and arguably potential wise better than Raheem Sterling. A proud product of La Scousia. #LFC

— Jake Joe (@kopuniverse) July 8, 2015"

Darren Lewis and Rob Burnett of the Mirror have reported that Sterling's phone number was leaked online Tuesday night, resulting in an alleged torrent of racist and vile abuse. The reaction to this news was somewhat mixed... 

"

Liverpool fans posting Raheem Sterlings phone no  I wouldn't do it but I'd take all the abuse in the world if I was earning what he does.

— Naveed Afzal (@Nav_B_Bhaijaan) July 8, 2015"

While Liverpool fans have reacted to the news with a mixture of incredulity, anger and possible telecommunications abuses, some rival fans—particularly those who wear Manchester City blue—have taken the opportunity to tease them... 

"

Raheem sterling is a blue is a blue is a blue Raheem sterling is a blue he hates Rodgers

— Jack Thurston (@jack_thurston98) July 8, 2015"

Raheem Sterling's employment situation remains quite unclear, and the player clearly isn't emerging from the situation in a positive light. We can all agree, however, that if the saga inspires Vines like this wonderful Michael Scott/Shia LaBeouf mash-up, then it is doing some good in the world...  

"

Rodgers trying to get Sterling on the plane on Sunday. #LFC https://t.co/40klN9NoNf

— Niall (@niallirvin) July 8, 2015"