England forward Raheem Sterling says it was wrong for fans to boo Joe Gomez when he came on as a substitute in Thursday’s 7-0 Euro 2020 qualifier win against Montenegro at Wembley.
Manchester City’s Sterling was dropped for the game after he clashed with Liverpool defender Gomez on Monday.
Sterling was seen applauding Gomez when he came on to the sound of jeers.
“It was hard for me to see my team-mate get booed for something that was my fault,” Sterling tweeted.
“Joe hasn’t done anything wrong and for me to see someone who keeps his head down and works hard, especially after a difficult week for him, to be booed when he came on tonight was wrong.
“I’ve taken full responsibility and accepted the consequence.”
‘No England player should be booed like that’
The altercation between Sterling and Gomez happened at the England camp one day after the pair were involved in an on-field argument during Liverpool’s 3-1 Premier League victory over Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday.
Sterling has since apologised for his actions and England boss Gareth Southgate confirmed he will start Sunday’s final Euro 2020 qualifier in Kosovo.
Southgate said he was sad to see the reaction to Gomez’s introduction in the second half against Montenegro.
“I am hugely disappointed for Joe,” he said.
“Joe had done nothing wrong and no England player should be booed like that when they are wearing the shirt.
“All the players are particularly disappointed with that.”