article_snippet.sent: Controversial bookmakers Paddy Power have provoked outrage with a 'joke' about the African-American police beatings.
article_snippet.sent: In a tweet published ahead of Liverpool's clash against Newcastle tonight, the bookmakers appeared to make light of the issue in the wake of a succession of stories in the US regarding police shootings on African-Americans.
article_snippet.sent: On the Paddy Power Offers page, a tweet was published that read: 'Newcastle have suffered more Kop beatings over the last 20 years than an unarmed African-American male'.
article_snippet.sent: Paddy Power appeared to make a joke about the recent police shootings on African-Americans .
article_snippet.sent: This is not the first time Paddy Power - who employs Harriet Harman's son, Harry Dromey as its 'Mischief Champion' - has courted controversy.
article_snippet.sent: In response to the latest furore, a spokesman for Paddy Power said: 'It's clearly an acerbic reference to recent police activity in the US.
highlights_snippet.sent: Paddy Power said on Paddy Power Twitter page: 'Newcastle have suffered more Kop beatings over the last 20 years than an unarmed African-American male'
  Newcastle has resulted in a furious backlash, with people calling Newcastle 'deplorable'
  Bookmakers have attracted criticism in the past for controversial adverts .