UEFA have dropped a probe into Liverpool youngster Rhian Brewster being racially abused.
Brewster had to be restrained at the final whistle of the Reds’ 2-0 win in their Youth League tie with Spartak Moscow in December following the incident.
European football’s governing body charged Spartak’s under-19 captain Leonid Mironov in connection with the allegation made in the Prenton Park match.
Five players were interviewed as part of UEFA’s probe in addition to match officials but none were able to corroborate Brewster’s complaint.
“Following the opening of proceedings, Uefa appointed an ethics and disciplinary inspector to conduct a thorough independent investigation and gather potential evidence relating to the case,” read a statement.
“Such an appointment is standard practice, given that allegations of racist behaviour are taken very seriously by Uefa and its disciplinary bodies in accordance with our zero-tolerance policy towards any kind of discrimination.
“The inspector took statements from five players from both teams, as well as from two match officials, who were in the vicinity of the alleged incident. None of these heard any discriminatory words.
“Leonid Mironov was also interviewed by the inspector and stated that he indeed swore at Rhian Brewster, but he unreservedly denied using any discriminatory language.
“After concluding his investigation, the inspector found no evidence to corroborate the allegations, which he believed were made in complete good faith by the Liverpool player Rhian Brewster.
“Therefore, the Uefa control, ethics and disciplinary body, following the recommendation of the inspector, established that there was no evidence that would legally support sanctioning the Spartak Moskva youth player Leonid Mironov and thus decided to close the disciplinary proceedings.”
Liverpool responded to UEFA’s findings, saying: “We would like to place on record our admiration for the courage shown by Rhian Brewster throughout this process and commend his exemplary conduct.
“The club is very proud of the maturity, dignity and leadership Rhian has displayed in bringing focus to this issue and he will continue to receive our full support.
“In keeping with Rhian’s stance, the club encourages football’s governing bodies to facilitate the most robust processes possible to identify and tackle discrimination in the game at all ages.”