Liverpool condemn fans over 'racist' Divock Origi poster
The team were playing Origi's former Belgian side, Genk, when the offensive picture was shown in the away fan's section.
Thursday 24 October 2019 21:19, UK
Liverpool FC have condemned a banner unfurled at a Champions League game showing a "racist stereotype" of Divock Origi.
The banner showed an obscene picture of the striker's head superimposed onto a naked man's body.
It was unfurled in the away section of the Luminus Arena in Genk, before Liverpool's Champions League group stage game on Wednesday night.
It is not known if Liverpool or Genk fans were responsible.
Liverpool quickly released a statement condemning the banner.
It said: "Liverpool Football Club condemns the offensive banner displayed in our section of the ground, prior to kick off.
"To be clear, the image used perpetuated a racist stereotype.
"This is completely unacceptable.
"We acted swiftly to have the banner removed and we are now working with the local authorities and stadium team in Genk to identify those responsible.
"Any subsequent action will be taken in keeping with our sanctions process."
Origi, 24, was named as part of the squad to play against his former side in Belgium after scoring in the Champions League final against Tottenham in June.
The racism incident comes days after an FA Cup tie between Haringey Borough and Yeovil was abandoned when players walked off the field following allegations of racist abuse.
Two men, aged 23 and 26, were arrested on suspicion of racially aggravated common assault on Monday, the Metropolitan Police said.
Five days before that incident England's Euro 2020 qualifier in Bulgaria was stopped twice due to racist behaviour.