Post his football career, Former Wales and Everton goalkeeper Neville Southall moved towards social advocacy and has campaigned on behalf of LGBT, sex workers and mental health. Recently he has become a huge presence on Twitter, where he came across the tweets of British TV personality Piers Morgan.
In a wide-ranging interview with the Guardian, Southall addressed Morgan's recent comments on Raheem Sterling. The English winger was criticised by Morgan and other select members of the British press for a gun tattoo on his leg, which Sterling said was not finished and was because he shoots with his right leg. He also clarified that his father was killed by a gun and that he would never support them. Despite this Morgan issued several critical tweets, which Southall dismissed.
That was brought up by some prick. Piers Morgan is a prick. What gives him the right to say what can be on your body? If Sterling had tattooed a massive cock on his leg I would say: ‘It reminds me of Piers Morgan.’”
Here's an idea, @sterling7:
Stick a big X across that assault rifle tattoo & the words 'NO TO GUNS'. Then it works how I presume you intended it to work.
At the moment, it looks like you're glamourising gun use. pic.twitter.com/zXnGOSShdT— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) May 29, 2018
So you think it’s perfectly OK for an England football star to tattoo a large assault rifle onto his leg just before a World Cup, where it will be seen by billions of people? I find THAT pretty weird & sad, regardless of his explanation. https://t.co/iDH7vIyHaw
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) May 29, 2018
As for Sterling, he lined out for England in their recent 2-1 victory over Nigeria as he continues preparations for the World Cup.
You can read the full interview here.
