Liverpool deny Diouf 'spitting' claim

The allegations were reportedly made to police by some fans of the London club after the game, in which Diouf, one of the stars of the summer's World Cup, was an unused substitute.

Liverpool spokesman Ian Cotton said: "We absolutely, categorically deny allegations that El Hadji Diouf spat at or spat in the direction of West Ham fans.

"These allegations were brought to our attention by the police after the game and we have since spoken to the player. It is absolutely untrue.

"After the game we spoke to our stewards who were in the area, and they have totally refuted the claims made by the West Ham fans."