Reds and police probe Adeyemi abuse
Liverpool and the police are investigating an incident which took place during Friday night's 5-1 FA Cup third-round win over Oldham at Anfield, where visiting defender Tom Adeyemi was seemingly the target of abuse from fans.
Just when the aftermath of striker Luis Suarez's eight-match ban for racially abusing Manchester United defender Patrice Evra was dying down, the Merseysiders have found themselves having to deal with another issue.
Late in the game the 20-year-old, on loan from Norwich, appeared to take offence to something shouted from the Kop. Despite reassurance from his team-mates, Dirk Kuyt and Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard, the right-back was visibly upset and seemed close to tears.
There then appeared to be discussion between the fourth official and a police officer down by the tunnel while the match was continuing. Liverpool confirmed an incident took place and said investigations were continuing.
A club statement read: "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 with the police to establish the details of what actually happened and will make a further statement in due course."
Merseyside Police said they had begun an investigation but confirmed, contrary to reports, there had been no arrests in relation to the incident.
Oldham skipper Dean Furman said the abuse was an "absolute disgrace".
He told BBC Radio Manchester: "He was abused and I'll leave it to Tom and the police to investigate that. What happened should not happen in the game. It has been highlighted over the last few months and it is an absolute disgrace."
When pressed as to whether the abuse was of a racial nature, Furman added: "It is difficult for me to say anything.
"When one of your boys is down like that we all feel it. Tom, the authorities and police will sort out the situation. I hope the authorities take heavy action because it was a disgrace. A lot of credit goes to Tom for the way he handled the situation."
