Liverpool attacker Daniel Sturridge will be allowed to continue playing for the Reds while his betting case is overheard by the FA, according to the Times.
The newspaper clams that the England international, on a reported £120,000-per-week at Anfield [Source: Spotrac], will be free to play while an independent commission examines his case.
The 29-year-old has until 6pm on Tuesday to answer the FA’s misconduct charge relating to bets made regarding his loan move to West Bromwich Albion in January.
The Times’ report claims that Sturridge has denied placing any bets himself, but that the FA’s policy means that he could land in hot water if it is found that he passed on information to others about the move.
OPINION
This is a big boost for Liverpool. Sturridge has emerged as a vital part of Jurgen Klopp’s squad this campaign, providing top class back up to the Reds’ front three of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane. It remains to be seen what comes for the FA’s investigation into Sturridge’s alleged wrongdoing, but it would be a huge blow for the club if Sturridge was handed a ban or something of that nature. Liverpool don’t really have much behind their front three if Sturridge were to face an extended period of time out of the side. Dominic Solanke has never been truly trusted at Anfield, while Divock Origi doesn’t look like he’ll be on Merseyside for long either. You would think, then, that Klopp could make a move for a frontman in January if Sturridge does receive a ban. We’ll have to wait and see what happens here, but for now it’s good news that the striker can continue to play for Liverpool.
