Has Kelvin MacKenzie learned absolutely nothing over these past 28 years?The former editor of The Sun, who now works as a columnist for the British tabloid, was responsible for running for the now infamous front page headline ‘The Truth’ four days after the Hillsborough disaster.‘The Truth’, in this instance, turned out to be a complete pack of lies. Liverpool fans were not responsible for the tragedy that cost the lives of 96 fellow supporters back in April 1989.The city of Liverpool will never forgive MacKenzie or The Sun for their coverage of the tragedy.Indeed, earlier this year, Liverpool Football Club banned journalists from the newspaper entering their Anfield stadium or Melwood training ground.

MacKenzie's comments about Barkley have shocked

With all that in mind, MacKenzie’s latest column about Everton’s Ross Barkley is beyond staggering.

He compared the Liverpool-born midfielder, who has a grandfather born in Nigeria, to a “gorilla at the zoo”.

He also described Barkley as “thick” and “one of the dimmest footballers”.

“There is something about the lack of reflection in his eyes which makes me certain not only are the lights not on, there is definitely nobody at home,” MacKenzie added in his column which can be read HERE.

“I get a similar feeling when seeing a gorilla at the zoo. The physique is magnificent but it’s the eyes that tell the story.”

Fierce backlash on Twitter

Needless to say, MacKenzie’s comments have sparked a fierce backlash on Twitter.

Match of the Day host Gary Lineker led the way with his tweet…

Here's how the rest of Twitter has reacted

And here’s how the rest of Twitter has reacted…

Merseyside Police are now investigating

Meanwhile, BBC Sport have revealed Merseyside Police are investigating allegations that the newspaper article in questions constitutes a “racial hate crime”.

Police are currently investigating the full circumstances.

Liverpool mayor Joe Anderson confirmed via Twitter that he had reported the article to police.