Liverpool call for probe after U-18 team walk off in racism row

• Published On: 21 July 2024 at 15:04

Liverpool has ordered a "urgent investigation" after its under-18 players walked out following alleged racial abuse during two youth matches in Germany.

The Reds' games in the Bundesliga Cup youth tournament against Hoffenheim on Friday and Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday were canceled due to the alleged racism against the same youngster.

A club statement said, "Liverpool can confirm that a player of our under-18s team reported being racially harassed by an opponent while playing in the Bundesliga Cup youth competition at Schwabisch Hall in Germany on Friday.

"The player immediately notified the match official, his teammates, and our coaching staff." As a result, LFC's management team agreed to halt the game and depart the pitch together.



"In a subsequent instance, the same player was targeted for abuse during a tournament fixture (on Saturday). Again, the athlete warned his teammates and coaching staff, and our management team chose to leave the field once more."

Liverpool supported their players' choice to leave the field on both instances and requested an investigation into the circumstances.

"We are proud of our player for his fast reporting of the situation and mature response. He and any of his teammates who are affected are receiving assistance from the academy's safeguarding team.


"The club calls upon our opponents and the tournament organisers to conduct an urgent and thorough investigation into the incident," the association stated.

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Eintracht sporting director Timmo Hardung told German daily Bild that the club took the accusation "seriously" but insisted it was a "linguistic issue" involving a phrase widely used in Germany.

Hardung stated, "Our entire youth academy is multicultural, like Eintracht Frankfurt, and we have distinct ideals that we live by and demand on a regular basis.

"Racism has no place here, but we take such accusations seriously.

"We can rule out racism, it is a linguistic issue and, therefore, hope to have resolved the misunderstanding among the players and Liverpool officials concerned."

The International Football Federation announced on Wednesday that it would launch an investigation into racist chants by Argentina players following their Copa America victory.

"FIFA is aware of a video circulating on social media, and the situation is being investigated. "FIFA strongly condemns any form of discrimination by anyone, including players, fans, and officials," a spokeswoman for international football's governing organization stated.