"Liverpool Football Club is shocked and appalled that Shamal and a family member have been subjected to such a terrible ordeal," said a Liverpool 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."

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