Support lifts Tom’s spirits

THANKS SO MUCH: Tom Adeyemi has received a petition of support from Liverpool fans

ATHLETIC midfielder Tom Adeyemi has broken his silence on the alleged racist abuse he received at Anfield during the FA Cup third-round clash with Liverpool.

The Norwich loanee was in tears towards the end of the 5-1 defeat following an incident in front of the Kop.

Liverpool apologised to Adeyemi (20) and a Merseyside man arrested over the alleged abuse was bailed pending further enquiries.

After receiving an 1,800-name petition, put together by Reds fans keen to offer their support, Adeyemi said: “I would like to thank everybody who has sent messages of support — they haven't only been from Latics and Liverpool fans but from all over the country.

"I have received lots of e-mails as well as hand-written letters and it has been brilliant to know such a lot of people are supporting me. It has been great to receive the petition which shows the vast majority of Liverpool fans are supportive of me."

Versatile Adeyemi, who earned praise from team-mates and manager Paul Dickov for containing his anger in the immediate aftermath and playing the remaining 10 minutes of the Anfield contest, is keen to move on from the incident.

He added: “It is for others to deal with and all I want to do is to concentrate on my football and make sure it doesn't affect my game. What disappointed me was the media coverage that weekend was all about me and it took away from the team how good an account they gave of themselves at Anfield.”