Daniel Sturridge responds to brutal social media mocking for ‘wearing a seatbelt’ after the former Liverpool forward’s fashion choice caught the eye during punditry for Sky Sports
- Sturridge caught the attention of viewers during Sky Sports coverage
- The star was in the studio when former clubs Man City and Liverpool clashed
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Daniel Sturridge has hit out at Sky Sports viewers who mocked his outfit for Sunday’s Premier League action, with his clothing attracting the attention of critics on social media.
Sturridge joined fellow pundits Roy Keane and Micah Richards ahead of the broadcaster’s two Premier League matches, including the heavyweight match between Man City and Liverpool.
Viewers tuning into the early kick-off between Aston Villa and Tottenham highlighted an addition to Sturridge’s suit that they may not have expected to see.
Several people highlighted a belt around Sturridge’s waist and claimed the former England forward was ‘wearing a seatbelt’ on social media.
Sturridge was apparently made aware of the social media backlash and took to X (formerly Twitter) himself on Monday to hit back.
Daniel Sturridge, centre, joined Sky Sports pundit at Anfield on Sunday
Fans claimed Sturridge was ‘wearing a seatbelt’ after noticing his unusual fashion choice
“Me: I’m just wearing this black turtleneck with this simple black blazer,” he wrote. ‘Then people can concentrate on what I have to say and they no longer have a say in my outfit.
‘Internet: Why is Sturridge wearing a seat belt!?;’ followed by two laughing emojis.
Fans were quick to comment on his sartorial choices on Sunday, with Paddy Power leading the way.
“Fair play to Sturridge wearing his seatbelt in the Sky Studio can never be safe enough,” the bookmaker joked.
“Does anyone know why Daniel Sturridge wears a seatbelt on a plane,” one fan added.
Another wrote: ‘I know today will be a great match. But Sturridge takes the phrase ‘fasten your seat belts’ far too literally.”
Sturridge has previously expressed his interest in fashion, telling The Guardian in 2014 that it allowed him to express himself more as a person than as a footballer.
“In fashion you express yourself however you want,” Sturridge said. ‘You express your personality. In football you can be misunderstood. People have an image of you without knowing you.’
The former Man City and Liverpool striker was also nominated for a British Style Award that same year.
Sturridge’s return to the Sky Sports studio came before Liverpool hosted Man City in a crucial match in the Premier League title race at Anfield.
The forward has scored 68 goals in 160 appearances for Liverpool, although his career has been continually hampered by injuries, having previously scored six times in 32 appearances for Man City.
The Reds were held to a 1-1 draw by the champions, Alexis Mac Allister equalizing from the spot after John Stones’ early opener, although the hosts felt aggrieved not to have been awarded a penalty after a challenge on Argentina’s midfielder Jeremy Doku. went unpunished.