A 20-year-old man arrested on suspicion of racially abusing Norwich City footballer Tom Adeyemi during an FA Cup game against Liverpool has been released on bail.

The man, from Aintree, was arrested yesterday (Saturday) by Merseyside Police, who are investigating an incident which took place in the second half of the match between Oldham and Liverpool at Anfield on Friday night.

Late in the FA Cup third-round fixture, 20-year-old Adeyemi, who is on loan to the Latics from Norwich, appeared to take offence at something shouted from the Kop.

Despite reassurance from his team-mates and Liverpool players Dirk Kuyt and Steven Gerrard, the former Norwich School pupil seemed close to tears.

There then appeared to be discussion between the fourth official and a police officer down by the tunnel while the match was continuing.

Police confirmed the man who was arrested was interviewed today and was released on bail, pending further inquiries.

Liverpool, who won the match 5-1, said they were also investigating the incident.

The club issued a statement saying it was continuing to work closely with the police to establish the facts surrounding the incident.

The statement said: 'We take this matter extremely seriously and have today provided the police with the evidence we currently have available to us.

'This includes CCTV coverage and still photography of what we believe to be the relevant part of the stadium, statements from matchday stewards in that area and full access to all the footage captured by the cameras filming the match for our in-house TV operation.

'In addition, we have examined records of the tickets purchased in that part of the ground to see if they provide any additional information and have passed that on to the police.

'Finally, we would also urge any of our supporters who witnessed this incident or saw the individual involved and who have not already done so, to contact either the club or the police.'

Adeyemi has played 24 games for Oldham so far this season, scoring three times, and just last week had his loan extended with the Latics until the end of January.

Oldham have said that parent-club Norwich City spoke to Adeyemi before the team left Anfield to offer their support and also contacted a club official asking to be kept informed of any further developments.

City's chief executive, David McNally, posted on his Twitter account: 'Will pass on your support for Tom. He is ok. LFC have assured us that the awful incident will be fully investigated.'

Norwich City fans have been shocked by the incident, using internet message boards and Twitter to stick up for Adeyemi.

Former City ace Paul McVeigh said on Twitter: 'It couldn't be more inappropriate as he's the nicest kid in football.'

The investigation takes place as Liverpool striker Luis Suarez is currently seeing out an eight-match ban for racially abusing Manchester United defender Patrice Evra.

Oldham captain, Dean Furman also 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 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.'

The investigation takes place as Liverpool striker Luis Suarez is currently seeing out an eight-match ban for racially abusing Manchester United defender Patrice Evra.