Liverpool forward Raheem Sterling's apparent inhaling of laughing gas will be "a minor blip" in a "fantastic career", says a players' union chief. Bobby Barnes, deputy chief executive of the Professional Footballers' Association, said: "He's made a mistake and people are human.

"Nobody would condone the use of these types of substances, whether legal or otherwise, as footballers are seen as role models. But many of us look back at things we did in our teens and early 20s and wish we hadn't done them."

"I am sure this will be a minor blip on his path to a fantastic career."