updated 7:57 p.m. ET Jan. 6, 2012
LIVERPOOL, England - Police are investigating an incident in which a black Oldham player appeared to be the target of abuse from Liverpool fans during an FA Cup third-round match Friday.
Oldham right back Tom Adeyemi was visibly upset late in the game at Anfield after seemingly taking offense from something shouted from the Liverpool-supporting area known as The Kop.
Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard, teammate Dirk Kuyt and Oldham players tried to calm Adeyemi, who looked close to tears. A discussion then followed between the fourth official and a police officer down by the tunnel.
Merseyside Police said there had been no arrests "on suspicion of racially aggravated behavior" but "the Force and Liverpool Football Club are investigating following an incident that occurred during the second half of the game."
Liverpool released a statement saying it "will continue to work with the police to establish the details of what actually happened."
The incident comes two days after Liverpool forward Luis Suarez issued a partial public apology following his eight-match ban for racially abusing Manchester United defender Patrice Evra.
The Uruguay international was also fined $62,000 for calling Evra a "Negro" or "Negros" in October during the 1-1 draw at Anfield. Suarez apologized Wednesday for causing offense but again denied that his conduct amounted to a racist act.
Oldham manager Paul Dickov had yet to speak to Adeyemi about what happened but said his reaction was instructive.
"I know the kid and something has been said," Dickov said. "For him to react like that it is obvious something has been said but what has been said I don't know.
"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."
Liverpool won the match 5-1 after goals from Steven Gerrard, Craig Bellamy, Jonjo Shelvey, Andy Carroll and Stewart Downing.
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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Source: http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/45906683/ns/sports-soccer/
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