http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2...am-tom-adeyemi
Quote:
Liverpool fan not charged with racially abusing Oldham's Tom Adeyemi
• CPS cites insufficient evidence to bring criminal charges
• Witness statements 'tend' to support fan's version of events
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guardian.co.uk, Monday 12 March 2012 15.22 GMT
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oldham's tom adeyemi
Oldham Athletic's Tom Adeyemi, right, reacts after hearing a fan shouting at him during the FA Cup tie with Liverpool. Photograph: Andrew Yates/AFP/Getty Images
A Liverpool supporter arrested on suspicion of racially abusing the Oldham defender Tom Adeyemi during an FA Cup tie at Anfield will not be charged with an offence, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said on Monday.
The man, aged 20 and from Aintree, Liverpool, was arrested after match officials made a complaint to Merseyside police.
During the second half of the FA Cup third-round fixture on 6 January, Adeyemi took offence at something shouted from the Kop end at Anfield. The 20-year-old, who is on loan from Norwich, alleged a fan had shouted a racially abusive comment at him as he retrieved the ball from near the crowd.
Adeyemi reported the incident to the referee. The referee notified the fourth official, who then notified the police.
Liverpool launched an investigation into the incident that could not have come at a worse time for them having been widely condemned for the vehement support of their Uruguayan forward Luis Suárez before and after his eight-match ban for racially abusing Patrice Evra in a match last October.
The CPS said that after police interviews with Adeyemi and the suspect, and viewing "enhanced" CCTV footage, there was insufficient evidence to bring any criminal charges.
In police interviews he admitted shouting at the player, but denied it was of a racial nature. Witness statements from others in the crowd "tend" to support the man's version of events, the CPS said.
Jane Roden, head of the complex casework unit at CPS Merseyside, said: "I have considered a file of evidence submitted by Merseyside police, relating to an incident which occurred when Liverpool and Oldham Athletic met in the FA Cup.
"I have viewed the extensive CCTV footage available, which has been enhanced to isolate and improve the sound.
"I have also read statements from Mr Adeyemi, the match officials and the many independent witnesses to the incident, many of whom came forward after the game to offer their evidence after hearing media reports of the incident.
"There are two important factors I have relied upon when making my decision: the enhanced CCTV footage and the high proportion of witness statements which tend to support the suspect's version of events.
"On the balance of all of the evidence, I have therefore concluded that there is insufficient evidence to bring any criminal charges in this case and I have advised Merseyside police of my decision."
Oldham Athletic said in a statement that they had not discussed the CPS decision with Adeyemi. Their director Barry Owen said: "Oldham Athletic football club would like to thank Merseyside police and the Crown Prosecution Service for a thorough and painstaking inquiry.
"The events of the evening were unsavoury in respect of the incident, but should not detract from a fantastic night for our players and spectators alike.
"As a club, we accept the difficulties for all concerned investigating a matter such as this and, without reservation, accept the decision."
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Any chance of some media apologies?
Shock, Horror - Liverpool fan not a racist.
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