Daniel Sturridge: Chelsea striker reveals agony over race probe involving own fan

16 November 2011 14:14
Daniel Sturridge is dismayed to find himself at the centre of Chelsea's latest race row. [LNB]Sportsmail exclusively revealed how the club will investigate allegations that Sturridge was racially abused by one of his own fans during the Champions League clash in Genk on November 1. [LNB]The inquiry was triggered by a complaint from a Chelsea executive club member that a fellow wealthy supporter had loudly called Sturridge a 'monkey'. [LNB] Vile chants: Sturridge was targeted by his OWN fans [LNB]Sturridge was said to be upset by the allegations. A source told Sportsmail: 'Daniel and his family are not jumping for joy about the whole situation. How can they be? It is difficult for them to get their head round it at the moment.' [LNB]Sturridge, 22, started England's clash against Sweden at Wembley on the bench last night, and the source added: 'Playing for England is a big deal for Daniel and he is determined not to let this overshadow it.' [LNB] Racism issues are haunting Chelsea. As well as the Police and FA investigations into claims John Terry racially abused QPR defender Anton Ferdinand, the club have opened an inquiry into the chants directed at Ferdinand in Genk. [LNB]A club statement read: 'We are investigating several complaints as part of our ongoing investigation into offensive behaviour at the game in Genk. Chelsea FC believes such activity shames the club and the game of football.' [LNB]The club have also announced coach Andre Villas-Boas has denied an FA charge of improper conduct after the Blues' 1-0 defeat at QPR when referee Chris Foy sent off Didier Drogba and Jose Bosingwa.  Chelsea vow to hand out life bans to any fans caught aiming racist abuse at SturridgeVillas-Boas denies FA's improper conduct charge for criticising referee Foy Click here for the latest Premier League table, fixtures and results All the latest Chelsea news, features and opinion [LNB]

Source: Daily_Mail