FURIOUS Liverpool have slammed their fans for unveiling an obscene, racist banner depicting Kop star Divock Origi.
Uefa are poised to hit the club with a misconduct charge over the explicit flag — mocking Belgian striker Origi’s manhood.
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The controversy marred a classy 4-0 win in Genk inspired by Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s double.
A Liverpool spokesperson said: “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.”
Liverpool security staff confiscated and destroyed the banner 35 minutes before kick-off.
It took the gloss off a decent away performance by Jurgen Klopp’s men, which also saw Sadio Mane and Mo Salah get their names on the scoresheet.
“The image used perpetuated a racist stereotype and this is completely unacceptable.”
Liverpool spokesperson
The banner was mocked up using a fake picture of ‘the WhatsApp guy’ which went viral on social media back in 2015.
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.
It comes after Reds legend Jamie Carragher apologised to ex-Manchester United defender Patrice Evra and said Liverpool made a “massive mistake” backing Luis Suarez in the 2011 racism row between the two players.
United also handed an indefinite ban to a fan who was accused of racially abusing Kop defender Trent Alexander-Arnold in Sunday’s 1-1 Premier League draw at Old Trafford.
The song was heard during the 5-1 win over Norwich, with footage shared online.
Villa supporters also criticised the chant on social media as the fan base tries to stamp out the behaviour.
And in 2017, Kick It Out asked Manchester United to ban their fans singing a similar song relating to striker Romelu Lukaku.
