LIP-READER USED TO COUNTER RACISM CHARGE

Diigo

Liverpool FC reacted furiously yesterday after police confirmed that they had launched an investigation in the wake of claims by deaf football fans that they lip-read Steve Finnan racially abusing Patrice Evra, the Manchester United defender, during the teams' Barclays Premiership match at Old Trafford in late January.

Stringent denial

Officers have taken witness statements and were continuing to review footage of the game yesterday. Finnan, who stringently denies the allegation, has not been arrested or charged.

The news sparked outrage at Liverpool, who, incensed that neither they nor Finnan had been contacted by GMP, employed the services of a lip-reader yesterday afternoon to study tape of the game, which was played on January 22.

"We have had that video analysed by a lip-reader and there is absolutely no evidence to support this outrageous slur against our player," Ian Cotton, a club spokesman, said.

"The only reason we know of it is through the media. The player vehemently denies these allegations. He has not used any such language."

Controversy

The incident is alleged to have taken place in the closing minutes of the match, which United won 1-0, and comes after the controversy surrounding Gary Neville's goal celebration in the same game.

Finnan is understood to be deeply hurt by the allegations.

Liverpool are said to be bewildered as to how police could be investigating the claims only now. United would not offer any comment other than to say that they were "aware of the complaints", while a spokesman for the FA said that it had not been informed of the allegations but would investigate if contacted by the police.

A spokesman for GMP said: "It has been reported that one of the players made an offensive comment. Investigations are ongoing."

Diigo