Police investigate Diouf spitting row

Celtic 1 Liverpool 1

Liverpool striker El Hadji Diouf is the subject of a police investigation after television cameras caught him apparently spitting at Celtic fans.

The Senegal international had tumbled into the crowd late on in Liverpool’s 1-1 UEFA Cup draw at Parkhead last night and TV footage showed him regain his feet and then appear to spit at the fans.

The incident marred last night’s game, which had started in lightning fashion with Henrik Larsson opening the scoring in the second minute before Liverpool fought back and levelled through Emile Heskey.

Diouf – the African Footballer of the Year – will now meet with local police, who are investigating complaints made by some Celtic fans.

Chief superintendent for Strathclyde Police Kevin Smith said: “He is the subject of an investigation.

“We will be speaking with the player. There have been complaints and television coverage and we have spoken to a number of people involved.

“Two people were arrested but they have now been released.”

Celtic striker John Hartson insists “there is no place for spitting in football” and believes Diouf is looking at a European ban for his actions.

Last night’s incident reminded Hartson of an earlier European tie with Celta Vigo in which Peter Luccin did a similar thing to him and was banned for four games by UEFA.

“I didn’t see the incident,” said Hartson. “But there’s no place for spitting in football.

“I have had it done to me against Vigo this season and that boy got four games.”