Jack Grealish has seemingly defended his actions whilst on holiday out in the United States after winning the Premier League in his first season at the Etihad Stadium.
As per standard procedure after a gruelling season, footballers jet off for a holiday with their loved ones to finally blow off some steam.
Grealish joined Manchester City in a British record move from Aston Villa last summer and received heavy criticism throughout his debut campaign for making a supposed slow start to life at the Etihad Stadium.
The England international did nothing out of the ordinary by heading to Las Vegas after his much-publicised trip to Ibiza.
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However, the 26-year-old has been the subject of widespread criticism from fans and media alike after images have surfaced of him looking worse for wear and enjoying a drink or two with his mates.
Former Liverpool midfielder and current radio pundit Danny Murphy was scathing in his vilification of the England international on talkSPORT - advising the former Aston Villa captain to surround himself with ‘better people’.
Former Liverpool striker Stan Collymore similarly slammed Grealish, as he said: “I guarantee Jurgen Klopp will be seeing the photos and thinking, ‘I dodged a bullet there.’"
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However, Grealish's former Aston Villa teammate and current Sheffield Wednesday skipper Barry Bannan recently leapt in defence of the Manchester City star on Twitter.
“What is Jack Grealish actually doing wrong by being in (Las) Vegas enjoying his time off? Lay off the kid’s back, most other Premier League players doing the exact same but nothing being said," Bannan said on Twitter.
As the £100 million man continues to be on the receiving end of pelters from all corners, Grealish subtly defended himself by retweeting a tweet that vilifies the hate-campaign launched by the English media for a professional footballer simply enjoying his time off the pitch.
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“Actually mental that a regulated national tabloid can legally write and publish a story which is 99% complete and utter lies and fabrication," DJ Russke, who was spotted partying alongside Grealish in Las Vegas, said on Twitter.
"I have obviously known how toxic the British press can be towards our athletes and celebrities for a long time because of my job, but sometimes even I get harshly reminded that they can literally write what they want with no repercussions.
"It just makes me wonder how many of you ready any article and actually believe what you are told without questioning its accuracy.”
Not long ago, Grealish addressed the criticism aimed at him after being pictured at popular holiday destination Ibiza in an interview with the Mirror.
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The England forward said: “I know people were saying last week, ‘Oh, he is doing too much.’ But what? I have just won the Premier League. It is a dream come true. Why cannot I go on holiday?”
Ultimately, the incessant slander directed towards Jack Grealish for simply letting his hair down after experiencing the privilege of winning the Premier League is testament to how footballers continue to be dehumanised by fans as well as the press.
All in all, the Manchester City ace deserves to enjoy his well-earned break to the fullest without being the subject of such a vitriolic reaction from the masses.
Featured Image Credit: PA Images / AlamyTopics: Jack Grealish, Manchester City, Premier League, Football
