Jamie Redknapp and Michah Richards have torn into Raheem Sterling for his reaction to being left out of Chelsea's matchday squad. The 29-year-old was a surprise omission for the game with Manchester City, with his representatives releasing a statement before kick-off saying they would be seeking clarity over the decision.
After seeing his side beaten 2-0, new Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca argued the selection call was down to tactical reasons only, and claimed he had been unaware of the statement until after the final whistle.
But speaking on Sky Sports, neither Redknapp or Richards held back when asked their views on the extraordinary development.
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"We've all been left out haven't we?" ranted Richards. "We've all wanted to put statements out. Raheem and his team know exactly what they're doing. They're trying to make noise.
"The thing is with Chelsea already, there is a lot of noise around the club, everyone is talking about the players, everyone is talking the ownership, or can we even guess Chelsea's starting XI? Putting that statement out before the game is not good enough.
"I've spent a lot of time with Raheem as a player, interviewed him, a really nice guy. But that doesn't matter, that doesn't matter today. That is not going to help your team-mates or your case for getting back in the team."
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Redknapp was equally scathing, saying: "He must have initiated that statement. He said he's come back two weeks early (for pre-season), you know what? That's really nice of him.
"He didn't have the Euros, if he wants to come back two weeks early there's no need to talk about it - just get on with getting better. He hasn't been great since he's been at Chelsea when he's come into games, or started matches, he hasn't been good enough.
"So if the manager doesn't want to play you, just get on with it. You don't come out and get your representatives to do that, especially the day of a game. I think that's absolute rubbish, he should do better than that."
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Redknapp also argued there were '30 other players' who could react the same way, and urged Sterling to make his point on the training ground. Presenter Kelly Cates was more sympathetic, suggesting Sterling had a point if he's been given an indication he would be involved.
Sterling wasn't the only high-profile name to miss out. The likes of Kepa Arrizabalaga, Ben Chilwell, Conor Gallagher, and Romelu Lukaku were also absent on a day where Chelsea owner Todd Boehly stormed out the ground before the final whistle, compounding a tough first game for Enzo Maresca in charge.
