Police are investigating an alleged racially motivated attack on Liverpool player Shamal George.
Both the club’s under-23 goalkeeper and his brother suffered injuries during the incident at the Red Door bar on Berry Street at around 1am on Sunday.
Detectives are studying CCTV footage of the attack on the Merseyside-born player while Anfield officials have appealed for any witnesses to come forward.
“Liverpool Football Club is shocked and appalled that Shamal and a family member have been subjected to such a terrible ordeal,” said a club spokesman.
“As a club, we will offer Shamal and his family any support that they require.
“The matter is now in the hands of Merseyside Police and we will defer all enquiries to them. We would also urge anyone with information about the incident to come forward.
“Liverpool Football Club will make no further comment until it is appropriate to do so and, in the meantime, we would ask that Shamal and his family have their privacy respected.”
George has been a regular figure at youth level for Liverpool since joining aged nine. He played as a makeshift striker in a friendly with Huddersfield Town in 2016.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Merseyside Police social media desk via Twitter @MerPolCC or Facebook Merseyside Police CC.
You can also call 101 quoting incident reference 19100098869 or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or via their online form.