22 August 2023 , 09:47
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Liverpool have confirmed that an Under-16s match was cancelled after one of their players was the victim of racist abuse.
The Reds were taking on Italian giants Juventus during the Next Generation Trophy over in Austria on Friday. The player - who has not been named - informed the Liverpool coaching staff of the abuse that they were suffering, with the squad then being removed from the pitch as per protocol.
A statement from Liverpool read: “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.
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"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.”
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Juventus suspended the player responsible for the remainder of the tournament. Liverpool kicked off their next game against Ecuadorian outfit Independiente del Valle by taking the knee in a show of solidarity.
The Premier League have confirmed that players will continue to take the knee this season in order to demonstrate their ongoing commitment to fighting racism. Players made the gesture on the opening weekend of the season.
This will be repeated on the final matchday of the campaign, during Boxing Day fixtures and ahead of dedicated No Room for Racism matches set to take place in October and April.
Liverpool eventually finished in the ninth to 12th-placed category during the Next Generation Trophy as they were defeated 6-2 by Atletico Madrid in their final fixture. Juventus also finished in that particular category.
The tournament was eventually won by Brazilian outfit Red Bull Bragantino, who defeated Sporting Lisbon on penalties after a 0-0 draw. Other teams to feature included New York Red Bulls, Yeelen Olympique, Copenhagen, Club Brugge and RB Leipzig.