The Football Association has expressed its support for Raheem Sterling after he offered an "honest and heartfelt account" of his reasons for getting a tattoo of an assault rifle.
Sterling recently drew criticism from sections of the media and anti-violence campaigners for his choice to have the likeness of a weapon inked onto his right leg.
In an Instagram post published on Monday, the 23-year-old Manchester City and England player said the image was a tribute to his father, who was shot dead when Sterling was just two years old.
And the governing body appears satisfied with the forward's explanation.