Fans think Chelsea star has called out the club over Raheem Sterling treatment after seeing Instagram post

Chelsea fans think one of their players supports Rio Ferdinand's damning criticism of the club and their treatment of Raheem Sterling.

Sterling was left out of Chelsea's squad for the 2-0 defeat to rivals Manchester City at the weekend, leading to a controversial statement from his camp about "seeking clarity" before the game.

Enzo Maresca said it was a "technical decision" due to Chelsea having far too many players in their ranks at present.

The likes of Conor Gallagher, Trevoh Chalobah, Ben Chilwell and Carney Chukwuemeka have also been made surplus to requirements.

Sterling's future at Stamford Bridge looks uncertain and he has been heavily linked with Serie A giants Juventus.

Ferdinand has called out Chelsea for the way in which they are dealing with Sterling, laying into the Blues on his 'Rio Presents' podcast on Monday.

And eagle-eyed fans have noticed that another out of favour Chelsea star appeared to like the post from Ferdinand on Instagram.

Image: Instagram/@rioferdy5

As highlighted by fans, Romelu Lukaku's page popped up in the likes as he appeared to agree with Ferdinand's view.

And naturally, it prompted plenty of reaction online.

One wrote: "Romelu Lukaku shamelessly in the likes."

A second said: "Crazy that Rio Ferdinand would say this and crazier that Lukaku would engage this."

A third wrote: "That ain't who I think it is.

A fourth added: "He must have thought the likes were hidden."

After loan spells with Inter Milan and Roma, Lukaku is still technically a Chelsea player.

But he has not been part of first-team proceedings and Chelsea are also looking to move him on yet again this summer.

Antonio Conte wants to link up with him again at Napoli but their reported offer of a loan with a £25.5 million obligation to buy is believed to be below Chelsea's asking price.

They brought him back to west London for a then-club record fee of £97.5 million but he scored just eight times in the Premier League.