Tom Adeyemi, Oldham Player, Allegedly Abused By Fans During Liverpool Game

New Race Row As Oldham Player Close To Tears After 'Fan Abuse'

Police are today trawling through CCTV after Oldham footballer Tom Adeyemi was allegedly abused by fans during an FA Cup game against Liverpool.

Officers are likely to be taking witness statements as well as interviewing the defender, who was visibly upset after the incident in the second half of the match at Anfield last night.

Late in the FA Cup third-round fixture, the 20-year-old, on loan from Norwich, appeared to take offence at something shouted from the Kop.

Despite reassurance from his team-mates and Liverpool players Dirk Kuyt and Steven Gerrard, the right-back 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.

A police spokesman said: "Merseyside Police can confirm that no one has been arrested this evening, Friday 6 January, 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."

Liverpool, who won the match 5-1, said they are also investigating the incident.

A statement issued on Saturday said: "We take this matter extremely seriously and have today provided the police with the evidence we currently have available to us.

"This includes CCTV coverage and still photography of what we believe to be the relevant part of the stadium, statements from matchday stewards in that area and full access to all the footage captured by the cameras filming the match for our in-house tv operation.

"In addition, we have examined records of the tickets purchased in that part of the ground to see if they provide any additional information and have passed that on to the police.

"Finally, we would also urge any of our supporters who witnessed this incident or saw the individual involved and who have not already done so, to contact either the club or the police."

Last night, Oldham manager Paul Dickov said: "From my point of view I have not spoken to Tom about it but I know the kid and something has been said.

"He is a placid boy, a kid who has been well-educated with a fantastic temperament and has been with us since the end of August and I've never seen him raise his voice.

"For him to react like that it is obvious something has been said but what has been said I don't know because I've not had a chance (to ask) - I was too busy praising my players.

"He is fine now. He has calmed down. He is a laid-back kid who just gets on with business.

"Our players went and calmed him down and the Liverpool players did as well, which was fantastic and is why they are top professionals."

The investigation takes place as Liverpool striker Luis Suarez is currently seeing out an eight-match ban for racially abusing Manchester United defender Patrice Evra.

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