Deaf fans make race taunt claims

The fans complained after watching the match on television

Police are investigating after two deaf football fans complained they lip-read on television a Premiership star racially abusing another player.

The fans claimed to have seen a Liverpool player use racist language against a Manchester United footballer at last month's Premiership match.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said they were investigating the alleged incident at the Old Trafford ground.

The player, who has not been identified, has rejected the claim.

A spokeswoman for GMP said: "Police in Trafford are investigating a complaint about a racist comment made during the Manchester United v Liverpool match at Old Trafford on 22 January 2006.

Allegations denied

"It has been reported one of the players made an offensive comment in the closing minutes of the game. Investigations are ongoing."

The fans made the claims independently to police after watching the match on television.

The Liverpool player involved strongly rejects the suggestion, according to his club.

A Liverpool FC spokesman said: "The player vehemently denies these allegations. He has not used any such language."

No one at Manchester United would comment on the matter.