(CNN) British police say they have arrested a man in connection with a racist tweet aimed at Liverpool star Mohamed Salah.

In a statement published on its website, Merseyside Police said it had arrested a 32-year-old from Waterloo shortly before 9.30 a.m. (4.30 a.m. ET) Thursday "on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence, and obstructing an officer in the execution of their duty."

The tweet, which included a mocked-up image of the player, was published on Wednesday afternoon and shared by other users online.

Mohamed Salah and Liverpool kicks off the Premier League season on Friday.

In an earlier statement, police said they were treating the matter as a hate crime.

"Merseyside Police is aware of an offensive Tweet posted in relation to a Liverpool footballer, which was shared by others, and will be investigating the matter," read the statement.

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