Liverpool Fan Accused Of Racially Abusing Oldham's Tom Adeyemi Released Without Charge

Walk On - Liverpool Fan Cleared Over Racist Allegations

A Liverpool fan who was accused of racially abusing Oldham Athletic player Tom Adeyemi will not be charged by the Crown Prosecution Service.

Enhanced isolated sound on CCTV and nearby fans' evidence supported the arrested man's contention he did not shout racist abuse at Adeyemi.

The 20-year-old man from Aintree, Liverpool, was arrested after match officials filed a complaint to Merseyside Police.

But Jane Roden, Head of the Complex Casework Unit, CPS Mersey-Cheshire, said: "A suspect was identified and arrested. During interview he admitted shouting at the player, but denied it was of a racial nature. He was released on police bail pending a decision from the CPS.

“There are two important factors I have relied upon when making my decision: the enhanced CCTV footage and the high proportion of witness statements which tend to support the suspect’s version of events."

Adeyemi, on loan from Norwich City, was visibly upset during the 6 January FA Cup tie when he accused the supporter, sat in Anfield's Kop end.

Play was halted briefly as he voiced his complaint to referee Neil Swarbrick and was consoled by team-mates and Liverpool players.

Liverpool's season has been marred by racial-related controversy. Luis Suarez was banned for eight games and fined £40,000 for racially abusing Manchester United defender Patrice Evra at Anfield in October, and when United revisited Anfield for a January FA Cup tie a Liverpool supporter was caught on camera making monkey gestures during the game. Phil Gannon, 58, was subsequently arrested.

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