Raheem Sterling underlines his greatness and why it was only the usual suspects who doubted him

Raheem Sterling is Manchester City's most important player right now.

Raheem Sterling might also be the most important footballer in England right now. His hat-trick for City against Watford on Saturday kept Pep Guardiola's side at the top of the Premier League and underlined his devastating impact for the club as they tussle with Liverpool for the title. But it seems significant this weekend that Sterling is in the news. After the attack on Jack Grealish during the Second City derby on Sunday, many are asking what football needs to do to rid itself of the anger. Sterling came face to face with it when City played Chelsea at Stamford Bridge earlier in the season. At that point, Sterling demonstrated his character by issuing a statement condemning the actions and accusing the media of 'fuelling racism' and called for players to be given an equal chance. This weekend he repeated his position and explained why race is the basis for the treatment he received. This season he has been exceptional again for City as they attempt to retain the Premier League. He now has 15 goals in the Premier League this season and, after his 18 last season, he is highlighting how important he is to City. On The Football Spin, Paddy McKenna and Dion Fanning discuss Sterling and the events of the weekend and wonder why anyone is surprised incidents like the attack on Grealish happen in a world where abuse is seen as a legitimate response when anyone does something you don't agree with. Reuben Pinder from JOE.co.uk was on to discuss the ramifications of the Grealish attack and the growing sense of unease in some grounds in the UK. They also discussed Crystal Palace's defeat at home to Brighton and how they are being dragged into a relegation battle which had appeared to be over. It's all part of The Football Spin. Subscribe here.