Van Perise slams Sterling debut criticism as ´totally out of order´

Robin van Persie slammed the criticism towards Raheem Sterling following his Feyenoord debut as “totally out of order” and “inappropriate”.

Sterling, who left Chelsea by mutual consent in January, joined the Eredivisie side on a deal until the end of the season.

The winger made his debut as a substitute against Telstar last week, but was subjected to harsh criticism after what was his first game since May 2025.

Feyenoord boss Van Persie subsequently leapt to the defence of “an absolute top player”.

“I thought [the criticism] was totally out of order,” Van Persie said. “I found some of those responses delightfully Dutch: stating bluntly what was wrong.”

Raheem Sterling