When Daniel Sturridge was pictured on his phone during England’s recent friendly with Australia, many were quick to criticise the Liverpool striker.
But it turns out – as is so often the case – there was a perfectly acceptable excuse for the attacker’s behaviour.
The former Chelsea man wasn’t Tweeting, nor was he texting mates, but actually keeping in touch with an event for his charity, The Daniel Sturridge Foundation, which funds projects in his native Birmingham and Jamaica.
Sturridge explained: “That night was my first annual charity event in Birmingham. My family had put the event on and were texting me.
“I wasn’t sat on the bench, I was sat behind the bench (because of injury).
“Of course im watching the game – it’s important to watch my team mates play. But if I recieve a text message about my charity, of course im going to reply.
“That’s important too. I’m trying to do something positive for my community in Birmingham as well as Jamaica.
“Of course I want my team-mates to do well and there is no disrespect at all. The manager said he had no problem with it.”
Sturridge’s attitude has been criticised by Liverpool fans a number of times this season for his behaviour when on the bench.
But it seems like on this ocassion, at least, the attacker’s attention was diverted for a perfectly acceptable reason.
