John Barnes defends Liverpool over racism row

John Barnes has defended Liverpool over their latest racism row.

The police will launch an investigation into claims that Oldham Athletic's Tom Adeyemi was subjected to racist abuse by fans during the two sides' FA Cup third round tie at Anfield on Friday night.

The latest controversy comes after Reds striker Luis Suarez was fined and banned for eight matches after he was found guilty by the FA of racially abusing Manchester United's Patrice Evra.

However, Barnes believes that racism takes place at other grounds across the country.

"I have no doubt that somebody hurled racist abuse at him, and it really hasn't come at a good time for Liverpool," he told ESPN. "However, I'm not naive enough to think incidents like this don't happen at pitches across the country every Saturday.

"I for one never believed that racism ever went away. I wouldn't say it happens at Liverpool more than anywhere else. The fact that he heard it means there is an investigation and Liverpool will co-operate fully."

Barnes played for the Merseyside club for ten years during a 19-year playing career.