Soccer:The abuse suffered by Oldham defender Tom Adeyemi in last night's 5-1 FA Cup third round defeat to Liverpool at Anfield was an "absolute disgrace", according to his captain Dean Furman. Towards the end of the game the 20-year-old, on loan from Norwich, appeared to take offence to something shouted, alleged to be racist abuse, from the Kop.

Despite reassurance from his team-mates, plus Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard and forward Dirk Kuyt, the right-back was visibly upset and tearful. The matter was reported to match officials and subsequently the police, who have confirmed they have launched an investigation into the matter.

Liverpool, who have only just finished dealing with the fall-out from Luis Suarez’s eight-match ban for racially abusing Manchester United’s Patrice Evra, are also looking into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Furman declined to comment on whether the insult was of a racial nature.

“He was abused and I’ll leave it to Tom and the police to investigate that,” Furman said. “What happened should not happen in the game. It has been highlighted over the last few months and it is an absolute disgrace.”

When pressed as to whether the abuse was of a racial nature, Furman added: “It is difficult for me to say anything. When one of your boys is down like that we all feel it. Tom, the authorities and police will sort out the situation.

“I hope the authorities take heavy action because it was a disgrace. A lot of credit goes to Tom for the way he handled the situation.”

Liverpool last night said they were working with police in an attempt to ascertain what happened. “An incident occurred in the second half of the match which is now being investigated by both the club and the police,” said a club statement.

“We will continue to work with the police to establish the details of what actually happened and will make a further statement in due course.”

Merseyside Police said they had begun an investigation but confirmed, contrary to reports, there had been no arrests in relation to the incident.

“Merseyside Police can confirm that no-one has been arrested on suspicion of racially aggravated behaviour during the FA Cup fixture at Anfield,” said a police spokesman last night. “However, the Force and Liverpool Football Club are investigating following an incident that occurred during the second half of the game.”

It is understood police spoke to Adeyemi after the match last night and they will continue their investigations today. Talks between Oldham and Liverpool took place after the game and it is expected officials from the League One club will be in contact with the Merseysiders again later today for further discussion.