Mane, VD and Lallana were all prised from Soton through the financial might of Liverpool. And, what was said? Do Soton fans continue with a witch hunt of the aforementioned?
Sterling left an inconsistent and, relatively speaking, a struggling Liverpool team at the time to improve his career, develop professionally, win trophies and earn more money. What is wrong with that?
"No one leaves Liverpool" said the arrogant Phil Thompson. Then the death threats began, Liverpool ex players lined up to vilify Sterling for wanting to better himself, the media latched onto a story, fans across the country joined in and eventually he was booed at national level by England fans.
Yet there is barely a mention of any of this. He was hung out to dry and it all started at Liverpool as so much does. Away at Chelsea when he was racially abused was the turning point. This would probably have passed with little comment had Sterling not challenged the media and only at that point was there respite from the abuse piled on him.
The media then did a complete turn round, because they were wrong, discredited and had been shown up for what they are. So they created Saint Sterling, which he is not. He is though a very good player and has become, unwillingly, a spokesperson for many. He has endured more and come through more than any of us can properly appreciate notwithstanding the compensations of wealth.
What exactly happened between Gomez and Sterling is not clear. What is clear though is that generally the media treatment of a Liverpool player is inevitably different and more favourable.