Liverpool hit by new racism claim after cup win
Sunday, 8 January 2012
LIVERPOOL, Jan 7 (AFP): Liverpool were at the centre of another race row on Friday night after Oldham player Tom Adeyemi was alleged to have been racially abused by a supporter at Anfield.
The incident happened towards the end of Liverpool's 5-1 win over the League One club in the third round of the FA Cup, and comes as the club are on the defensive over the handling of the Luis Suarez affair.
Adeyemi, who is on loan at Oldham from Premier League side Norwich, seemed to be in tears, and Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard moved across to the corner of the ground where the incident occurred, and comforted the 20-year-old.
Liverpool released a statement after the game in which they confirmed that police were now investigating the incident.
"An incident occurred in the second half of the match which is now being investigated by both the Club and the police," said the club statement.
"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."
A report on The Guardian newspaper's website citing witnesses said Liverpool fans wearing Suarez t-shirts had racially abused Adeyemi.
The incident comes after the controversy that has raged over Liverpool striker Suarez, who was fined £40,000 and banned for eight matches for racist abuse of Manchester United's Patrice Evra.
The Football Association may investigate this latest incident.
Oldham manager Paul Dickov said that he was aware "something had been said" to make Adeyemi so upset.
"Honestly, from my point of view I haven't spoken to Tom about it," said Dickov afterwards.
"But I know the kid and something has been said. He is a 20-year-old kid who has been well educated with a fantastic temperament and has been with us since the end of August.
The incident happened towards the end of Liverpool's 5-1 win over the League One club in the third round of the FA Cup, and comes as the club are on the defensive over the handling of the Luis Suarez affair.
Adeyemi, who is on loan at Oldham from Premier League side Norwich, seemed to be in tears, and Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard moved across to the corner of the ground where the incident occurred, and comforted the 20-year-old.
Liverpool released a statement after the game in which they confirmed that police were now investigating the incident.
"An incident occurred in the second half of the match which is now being investigated by both the Club and the police," said the club statement.
"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."
A report on The Guardian newspaper's website citing witnesses said Liverpool fans wearing Suarez t-shirts had racially abused Adeyemi.
The incident comes after the controversy that has raged over Liverpool striker Suarez, who was fined £40,000 and banned for eight matches for racist abuse of Manchester United's Patrice Evra.
The Football Association may investigate this latest incident.
Oldham manager Paul Dickov said that he was aware "something had been said" to make Adeyemi so upset.
"Honestly, from my point of view I haven't spoken to Tom about it," said Dickov afterwards.
"But I know the kid and something has been said. He is a 20-year-old kid who has been well educated with a fantastic temperament and has been with us since the end of August.