Shocking footage has emerged of Liverpool fans racially abusing an Asian man in Barcelona, calling him 'Mr Miyagi' after pushing him into a fountain.

Trouble brewed in the city ahead of Wednesday's Champions League semi-final first leg. At least two videos surfaced on social media showing supporters shoving local people into a fountain in the middle of the popular Placa Reial square.

And in one of those clips, a supporter can be heard saying, 'Mr Miyagi, son', when the man comes over to speak to the person who pushed him into the fountain.

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A man in a blue jacket standing on the edge of the fountain can be seen being pushed in

The bewildered man is filmed getting out of the fountain before walking towards the camera

A supporter in a grey t-shirt can be seen bowing towards the gentleman.

Another fan, filmed pushing the man into the fountain, can be seen running away from the incident before laughing at him.

'Mr Miyagi' is a reference to the Asian trainer in the Karate Kid films from the 1980s.

Liverpool have now launched an investigation into the incidents that occurred in Barcelona on Tuesday and are looking to identify those involved.

A statement read: 'Liverpool Football Club is working with Merseyside Police and the authorities in Spain, who are endeavouring to identify those involved in the incident.

The man could be seen seeking out the people who had pushed him into the fountain before being called 'Mr Miyagi' while trying to speak to the group of supporters

'Such behaviour is clearly totally unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

'It would be inappropriate to comment further while the situation is ongoing other than to confirm the club will follow due process in any and all cases of this nature.'

Merseyside Police also said they were assisting Spanish Police with their enquiries.

Superintendent Paul White said: 'We are liaising with Spanish Police, the British Embassy, UEFA, the Football Intelligence Unit in Merseyside and Liverpool Football Club, who are all working to keep fans safe and ensure an enjoyable experience in Barcelona.

'We want to reassure the public that we can potentially act on any criminal matters dealt with by Spanish Police by utilising football legislation in the UK.

'This type of behaviour is wholly unacceptable and I want to remind fans who are travelling with tickets to monitor official fan advice on the Club’s official website and social media feeds for information to assist their visit.

'Given the vigilance of police and security around the stadium, we would encourage fans to arrive in plenty of time.

In previous footage that emerged on Tuesday, Liverpool fans were filmed shoving locals in Barcelona into a fountain in the popular Placa Reial square

A shocked local is shown reacting to being pushed into the fountain on Tuesday afternoon

'I would also encourage people to look after their own personal safety by taking some simple precautions – look after your money and belongings, stay together in groups, drink sensibly and give yourself plenty of time to get to the ground.'

Hundreds of travelling fans congregated in the square on Tuesday afternoon when the incidents occurred.

It comes amid reports six Liverpool fans have been arrested in Catalonia.

Two workers at the Placa Reial hotel were allegedly assaulted and required medical attention, while two others suffered bruises, including a broken nose, according to reports in Mundo Deportivo.

Spanish newspaper Sport reports that fans threw objects at police and that nearly 3,000 cans of beers, to be sold around the busy square, have been confiscated.

Around 4,800 Liverpool fans are expected to travel to Barcelona ahead of Wednesday night's game.

But Liverpool fans have written on social media, accusing the Spanish police of 'hugely over-reacting'.

One supporter said: 'They (Spanish police) looked like they wanted a reaction. None came. The restraint was commendable.

'They were batoned (sic) up in crash helmets. We were enjoying a drink in a bar at the side. Everyone in (the) square was having a good time.

'They rushed and batoned people for no reason. I would be shocked if I hadn't seen Spanish policing of football before.'

Chief executive officer Peter Moore took to Twitter to tell fans to treat the city better.

'We proudly sing that we've conquered all of Europe,' he wrote. 'But let's treat this beautiful city with the respect that it deserves, and act in a manner that is befitting of LFC.

'By all means have a good time, but we are Liverpool, and as such, let's visit here with grace and humility.'