LONDON - Chelsea became embroiled in another racism storm yesterday when they launched an investigation into allegations their striker Daniel Sturridge was racially abused by one or a number of the team's supporters during a Champions League match.

The English Premier League club said in a statement it has received "several complaints" regarding "offensive behaviour" during the away match at Belgian champion Genk on November 1.

British newspaper The Daily Mail reported that a supporter allegedly shouted, "They are bringing on the monkeys", as Sturridge, a black striker, prepared to go on as a second-half substitute.

"We take all complaints of this nature extremely serious, and are working with supporters and police to identify those that took part (in the racial abuse)," the Chelsea statement read.