Raheem Sterling Death Threats Investigated by Police as Liverpool Transfer Looms

Jon Super/Associated Press

An investigation has been launched by Merseyside Police after England international winger Raheem Sterling was the target of abuse on social media.

The 20-year-old, who is poised to join Manchester City from Liverpool in a £49 million deal, will become the most expensive English player ever when the transfer goes through, per Sky Sports. But a few Twitter users have reacted toxically to the potential deal, even aiming abuse at Sterling’s three-year old daughter.

As noted by Joe Strange of the Daily Mail, Merseyside Police have issued a statement in response to the offensive language sent Sterling’s way:

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The language used in these tweets is abhorrent.

We are taking the incident extremely seriously and an investigation by detectives in Liverpool CID is on-going. 

People who use the Internet to target others and who commit criminal offences such as harassment or hate crime in doing so are not beyond the law and can expect to be brought to justice.

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(Warning: offensive language below)

As Strange notes, one user sent a tweet to Sterling stating he would “hunt your daughter down and lock her up.” A different account claimed that the person “literally hope he f--king dies,” and another said he would like to see the 20-year-old in a City jersey "soaked in his own blood.” The youngster was also targeted with racial abuse by various accounts.

While Sterling’s conduct throughout this transfer saga has left much to be desired, there is no justification for any supporter to plunge to these depths. Ultimately, the England man has moved from one club to another in a decision he feels will enrich his career.

Sterling will not receive a unanimous ovation when he does return to Anfield, nor will he be fondly remembered by those of a red persuasion. But the overwhelming majority of supporters across the globe will be quick to condemn the actions of these foolish fans, who are clearly taking football far too seriously.