Liverpool Under-16s walked off the pitch after one of their team-mates was racially abused by an opponent during a game against Juventus.
The Next Generation Trophy clash was abandoned after the incident at the youth tournament in Austria last Friday.
The Liverpool teenager went to the touchline to report the abuse to coaching staff, who informed the players to follow protocol and leave the field.
The Juventus youngster involved was subsequently suspended by his club for the rest of the tournament as staff from the Italian outfit offered Liverpool a full apology.
Prior to their next game, Liverpool and their Argentine opponents Independiente took the knee before kick-off in a show of solidarity.
A Liverpool spokesman said: “We can confirm that a member of our under-16s team was racially abused by an opponent while playing in the Next Generation youth tournament in Austria.
“The individual responsible was identified immediately and removed from the competition as a result of the swift intervention of our own players and staff, tournament organisers and opposition management, who have also taken additional disciplinary measures inclusive of education.
“We would like to place on record our appreciation for the prompt actions taken by all involved. This applies most of all to the player subjected to the attack, who showed remarkable maturity in following established protocols, including leaving the pitch, in order to report the matter as soon as it occurred. He is receiving the full support of the club.
“We would also reiterate that our condemnation of all forms of racist abuse remains unequivocal and absolute.”
Staff members from Juventus’ academy and tournament organisers Red Bull Salzburg have since contacted Liverpool academy director Alex Inglethorpe to express their regret about the incident and check on the youngster’s well-being. With disciplinary action and a vow to educate, senior Liverpool figures are happy with how Juventus have handled things.
(Photo: George Wood/Getty Images)
