THE talk on the first anniversary of Kenny Dalglish’s triumphant return to Anfield should have been how Liverpool FC finally handed out the beating they have threatened for most of the season.
How Oldham Athletic contributed greatly to a rip-roaring tie that showcased the best of the FA Cup.
How Steven Gerrard made a triumphant return to Liverpool’s starting line-up, how Craig Bellamy continues to prove such an astute purchase.
How Andy Carroll ended his two-month spell without a goal, and how Stewart Downing finally broke his duck for the Anfield outfit.
Instead, though, the main talking point centred on an issue that shows no signs of abating for Liverpool.
Claims by Oldham player Tom Adeyemi he was racially abused by a home supporter on the Kop would have sent a shiver down the spine of anyone associated with the club.
The subsequent investigation and arrest of a fan for alleged racially aggravated abuse underlines how seriously Liverpool have taken the incident, which left Adeyemi in tears and prompted the game to be halted briefly 10 minutes from time.
It was the last thing the Anfield outfit needed as they seek to rebuild a reputation tarnished by the Luis Suarez racism saga, the Uruguayan reluctantly accepting an eight-match ban for abusing Manchester United’s controversial left-back Patrice Evra.
There is some currency to the belief Liverpool have brought this upon themselves with an aggressive defence of Suarez stoking up a siege mentality and paranoia among their fans.
Certainly, Piara Powar, executive director of European football’s anti-discrimination body FARE, has effectively pointed the finger at Dalglish for his “undignified” support of Suarez and undermining of the Football Association.
Liverpool feel they had good reason for that approach but, aware of the depth of feeling surrounding the issue, have been keen over the past week to draw a line under the matter.
There’s now little chance of that. In mitigation, every club has supporters who cross the line inside the stadium. Usually, it is dealt with swiftly and effectively by the stewards and police.
And while that seems the case here, the timing could not have been any worse, Liverpool’s increasingly gleeful detractors handed another stick with which to beat them.
A pity, then, that a fine FA Cup tie has been overshadowed by the mindless act of one person in a crowd of 44,556, remarkably Liverpool’s highest home attendance in the competition since losing to Brighton and Hove Albion back in February 1983.
Dalglish has overseen the arrival of more than £100million worth of new talent since returning, but Bellamy, a player who cost nothing, continues to stake a strong claim to being the Liverpool manager’s most successful purchase.
His knees may no longer be able to withstand two games a week but, when on the pitch, the Wales international remains as devastating a threat as ever, scoring once and creating another as Liverpool eventually saw off spirited npower League One outfit Oldham.
