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 attracted the attention of viewers during Sky Sports coverage
- The star was in the studio as former clubs Man City and Liverpool clash
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Daniel Sturridge has hit out at Sky Sports viewers that mocked his outfit for Sunday’s Premier League action, with his clothes attracting the attention of social media critics.
Sturridge joined fellow pundits Roy Keane and Micah Richards ahead of the broadcaster’s two Premier League matches, including the heavyweight clash between Man City and Liverpool.
Viewers tuning in to watch the early kick-off between Aston Villa and Tottenham highlighted an addition to Sturridge’s suit that they perhaps were not expecting to see.
Several highlighted a belt across Sturridge’s waist, claiming that the former England forward was ‘wearing a seatbelt’ on social media.
Sturridge was evidently made aware of the reaction on social media, and took to X (formerly Twitter) himself to hit back on Monday.
Daniel Sturridge, centre, joined Sky Sports punditry line-up at Anfield on Sunday
Fans claimed Sturridge was ‘wearing a seatbelt’ after spotting his unusual fashion choice
‘Me: I’m just gonna wear this black turtleneck with this simple black blazer,’ he wrote,’ Then people can focus on what I have to say and wont have anything to say about my outfit.
‘Internet: why does Sturridge have a seatbelt on!?;’ 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 too safe,’ the bookmaker joked.
‘Does anyone know why Daniel Sturridge is wearing an aeroplane seatbelt,’ added one fan.
Another wrote: ‘I know today will be a great game. But Sturridge taking the phrase “fasten your seatbelts” way too literally.’
Sturridge has previously revealed 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 a perception of you without knowing you.’
The former Man City and Liverpool forward was also nominated for a British Style Award the same year.
Sturridge’s return to the Sky Sports studio came ahead of Liverpool hosting Man City in a crunch match in the Premier League title race at Anfield.
The forward scored 68 goals in 160 games for Liverpool though his career was constantly hampered by injuries, having previously netted six times in 32 matches for Man City.
The Reds were held to a 1-1 draw by the champions, Alexis Mac Allister equalising from the spot after John Stones’ early opener, although the hosts felt aggrieved not to have been awarded a penalty after a challenge on the Argentina midfielder from Jeremy Doku went unpunished.
