A Liverpool fan responsible for the ‘offensive’ Divock Origi banner at week’s Champions League match against Genk has been identified, Merseyside police have revealed.
The club condemned the banner, which was based on a widely-known meme, saying it “perpetuated a racist stereotype”.
They had it quickly removed from the away end ahead of kick-off, before Liverpool claimed a 4-1 victory in Belgium.
Reds officials have been liaising with police to identify those responsible, who could face heavy sanctions from the club as a result.
A statement from Merseyside Police read: “We can confirm Merseyside Police officers assisting local police at the Genk v Liverpool fixture on Wednesday night (October 23) removed a banner in the Liverpool supporters’ section.
“We worked with Liverpool FC and the local authorities to identify the person responsible, and the local police in Belgium are now conducting an investigation.”
UEFA will await the reports of the match referee and delegate before deciding whether to open a disciplinary investigation in relation to the matter.
It is understood Liverpool’s sanctions panel will meet on Friday to make an interim decision now the supporter responsible for the banner has been identified.
The most severe sanction which could be imposed at that meeting would be a temporary ban to run while a full investigation is carried out.
Once the club’s enquiries – independent to any police investigation – have been completed, the supporter will then be invited in to speak to the panel and explain their side of the issue.
Liverpool will then make a decision on a final punishment, which could include a full stadium ban, a ban and education, education on its own or other minor sanctions.
Supporters’ group Spirit of Shankly also condemned the banner and welcomed the swift action taken by the club, but claimed ‘banning people is not the answer’.
A statement read: “Spirit of Shankly oppose all forms of racism. The club took swift action in the removal of the offensive banner that perpetuates racial stereotyping.
“Football isn’t separate from society, it is part of it and we all have a responsibility in ensuring people understand there is no room for racism.
“Simply banning people is not the answer. Education and reaffirming there is no place for discrimination in society has to form part of the solution.”
