Liverpool condemn 'offensive and inappropriate' Origi banner
A Divock Origi banner that "perpetuated a racist stereotype" has been slammed by Liverpool.
Liverpool have condemned a "highly offensive and inappropriate" banner of Divock Origi displayed by supporters ahead of Wednesday's Champions League clash against Genk.
Reds fans unfurled the banner during the warm-up before the clash in Belgium, which the club say "perpetuated a racist stereotype". The explicit image showed the player superimposed onto a naked black man next to the European Cup.
In a statement issued before kick-off, the club confirmed it took swift action to have it removed.
"Liverpool condemns the offensive banner displayed in our section of the ground prior to kick off," the statement read.
"To be clear, the image used perpetuated a racist stereotype. This is completely unacceptable.
"We acted swiftly to have the banner removed and we are now working with the local authorities and stadium team in Genk to identify those responsible.
"Any subsequent action will be taken in keeping with our sanctions process."