Robbie Fowler accused of racism after Twitter 'blackface' photo

Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler has scored an own goal on Twitter after posting a picture of himself dressed as Lionel Richie, complete with 'blackface' make up.



The Muanthong United player/coach (a Thai club we've never heard of) has enraged his followers for his controversial fancy costume of the 62-year-old Motown singer, alongside the message: '"80's theme fancy dress 2 years ago... Any guesses. Not Chris Kamara.' Take a look at the photo below:

As the picture is two years old, it was likely taken when Fowler played for either the North Queensland Fury or Perth Glory during his time in the Australian A-League.



Minstrel-style 'blackface' makeup is not unheard of in Australia, as musician/actor Harry Connick Jr found out to his detriment during a televised talent show a few years back.



Fowler's photo, which was since been hastily deleted by the striker himself, has attracted a barrage of criticism this afternoon, as football fans are bemoaning both the nature of the image itself and the perceived insensitivity of its content in the wake of Liverpool's reaction to Luis Suarez's eight-game ban for racial abuse.



"Pics emerging of Robbie Fowler 'blacking up' for fancy dress - why don't clubs teach these footballers how to be PC and generally human?!" wrote Twitter user Hannah Hope, while Tweeter Louise Brown offered: "I think Robbie Fowler posting a photo of himself blacked up really isn't doing #LFC any favours right now."