Kop race row: Oldham player 'abused' in latest storm to hit Liverpool
Liverpool were plunged into a fresh race storm on Friday night when a supporter was alleged to have racially abused Oldham player Tom Adeyemi.
The incident took place 10 minutes from the end of the FA Cup third-round tie at Anfield, which Liverpool won 5-1, and left Norwich-born Adeyemi close to tears.
A police investigation is under way after Adeyemi, 20, was involved in an altercation with a fan sat in the Kop. The midfielder, who is on loan from Norwich City, needed to be consoled by Steven Gerrard.
Flashpoint: Adeyemi reacts with disgust after alleged abuse was directed at him
Pointed out: Dean Furman (right) helps get the referee's attention
A witness who gave evidence to Liverpool officials and the police was quoted by the Guardian as saying: 'I was to the right of the Kop and the No11 turned to walk away after a tackle.
'I heard a single voice shout, 'You f****** black *******.' He spun round with shock on his face and started pointing at the crowd, from where the shout had come.'
It is understood the player also reported the incident to police.
Though officers moved into the area of the Kop where the alleged incident took place, no arrests were made but Merseyside Police have said that they are making enquiries.
A statement said: ‘Merseyside police can confirm that no one has been arrested this evening (Friday, January 6) on suspicion of racially aggravated behaviour during tonight’s FA Cup fixture at Anfield.
‘However, the force and Liverpool Football Club are investigating following an incident that occurred during the second half of the game. The aim of the investigation is to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident to ascertain if any action needs to be taken.’
Holding back: Liverpool's Dirk Kuyt tries to calm Adeyemi after the incident
That's him: Adeyaemi points out the culprit at Anfield
A Liverpool statement said: ‘An incident occurred in the second half of the match which is now being investigated by both the club and the police. We will continue to work closely with the police to establish the details of what actually happened and will make a further statement in due course.’
Two fans who appeared to be at the centre of the incident had been animated all evening.
Adeyemi, who conceded the penalty on the stroke of half-time which put Liverpool 2-1 up, was told he could not speak to the media after the game but an eyewitness, who gave evidence to Liverpool and the authorities, gave his version of events.
He said: ‘I was to the right of the Kop and the No 11 turned to walk away after a tackle. I heard a single voice shout out racist abuse and the player spun round with shock on his face.’
Calm down: Gerrard intervenes while a sign at Anfield clearly states the rules
Oldham manager Paul Dickov refused to elaborate on what had happened during the match but gave an insight into how Adeyemi was feeling.
Dickov said: ‘I have not spoken to Tom about it. What I will say is he is a placid boy, he has been well educated. He has been with us since the end of August and I’ve never heard him raise his voice. ‘For him to react like that it’s obvious something has been said. What’s been said, I don’t know.’
Pointing the finger: Adeyemi reacts
Earlier in the day, Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson dismissed Liverpool’s calls for peace talks over the Luis Suarez race row ahead of what promises to be an explosive game at Old Trafford on February 11.
Liverpool revealed on Thursday that they want to hold talks with United to defuse fan tension but Ferguson reacted with incredulity.
‘Nice to do it through the press,’ he said. ‘You’d have thought they would have come to Manchester United. But I don’t see why there is any need for that, to be honest.’
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