Police investigate anti-Semitic tweets

Last week, the club published a message on its official Twitter account to Jewish fans to wish them a Happy New Year. The tweet said: "Liverpool FC would like to wish all our Jewish supporters around the world a Happy New Year."

For many years, LFC has published messages of support to acknowledge religious festivals to its global fan base. Unfortunately, some vile and anti-Semitic comments were subsequently attached to this tweet and therefore the tweet was deleted in order to remove the abusive messages.

LFC did not wish to have to take this course of action however Twitter does not offer the functionality to remove comments without deleting the original tweet.

Liverpool FC condemns these anti-Semitic comments and is working closely with Kick It Out and the Police to assist with the investigation and track down the sources of these abusive messages. The club has passed on all information to the Police and if those who are found guilty of posting these comments become known to LFC they risk a lifetime ban from Anfield.

Keeley Baptista, professional game manager for Kick It Out, said: "We are appalled by the anti-Semitic messages that were sent in response to Liverpool FC's tweet wishing their Jewish supporters a Happy New Year. We immediately informed the Police - via its online reporting facility True Vision - for them to investigate.

"Liverpool and other clubs should be praised for publishing tweets recognising religious landmarks and holidays, and it is extremely sad that a small number of social media users abuse these platforms by posting discriminatory and abusive messages. We will continue to work with the club and the Police on this matter."     

LFC will continue to celebrate equality, inclusion and promote respect and tolerance of all religions and faiths by continuing to send good wishes to fans in the future.