REDS LET-OFF
LIVERPOOL have escaped punishment after fans held up a racist banner depicting striker Divock Origi - because the Uefa match delegate did not report it.
The controversy marred a classy 4-1 win in Genk inspired by Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s double.
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The X-rated image, which depicts the racist meme 'WhatsApp Guy', was on display before kick-0ff.
Staff inside the ground confiscated and then destroyed it 35 minutes before the game started.
It is the latest decision to put European football’s commitment to anti-racism under question.
Liverpool called the banner “completely unacceptable” and last week banned the fan who had brought it into the ground.
The embarrassed club feared a sanction after agreeing the image of the striker “perpetuated a racist stereotype”.
INCIDENT NOT REPORTED
But after surprise that no charge had been issued it has now been confirmed that the incident was not included in the official report by the Uefa match delegate.
That means no action is possible and lets Liverpool off - despite the club’s own actions and public recognition that the offensive and racist banner had been displayed.
A Liverpool statement at the time read: “The club condemns the highly offensive banner displayed prior to kick-off.
“To be clear, the image used perpetuated a racist stereotype and this is completely unacceptable.
“We acted swiftly to have the banner removed and are now working with local authorities and the stadium team in Genk to identify those responsible.
“Any subsequent action will be taken in keeping with our sanctions process.”
OTHER CLUBS FINED
Celtic were hit with a Uefa charge following their 2-1 win over Lazio last week.
Disciplinary proceedings have been opened against the Hoops for an "illicit banner" and "illicit chants".
Bayern Munich were fined £8,600 for an offensive banner and ordered to close part of their stadium for their 2014 Champions League quarter-final against Manchester United.
Ajax were fined £21,000 in 2013 for a similar offence against Celtic.
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Uefa have been slammed for their responses to other racist incidents including the disgusting abuse handed out to England players in last month’s Euro 2020 qualifier in Bulgaria.
European chiefs have also been accused by QPR of “passing the buck” after the London club’s youth team walked off following on-field racist abuse in an August friendly in Spain.
Now another mess-up has left Liverpool in the clear - and further damaged Uefa’s tarnished reputation.