Merseyside Police have announced that a 16-year-old boy has been arrested after invading the Anfield pitch during Liverpool’s 7-0 win over Manchester United in the Premier League.
The Reds inflicted the Red Devils’ worst-ever Premier League defeat on Sunday, although their seventh and final goal was marred by unsavoury scenes as a fan ran onto the field.
Roberto Firmino came off the bench to round off the scoring on the day, and during the celebrations, a member of the crowd jumped the barriers and collided with the players on the field.
The individual quickly apprehended by stewards, and Jurgen Klopp had to be held back from confronting the supporter, who received an earful from the Reds boss while he was being led away.
Klopp was infuriated at the supporter sliding into the Liverpool team huddle and catching Andrew Robertson and Curtis Jones, who both appeared to have been left in discomfort.
Neither man suffered any serious injuries, but Liverpool have condemned the “dangerous” act and have threatened the supporter with a lifetime ban from Anfield.
“Liverpool FC has begun an immediate investigation to identify and ban the individual pitch runner from Sunday’s Premier League fixture against Manchester United at Anfield,” a statement read.
“The offender ran onto the pitch and collided with Liverpool players, risking injury, as they celebrated the seventh goal in front of the Main Stand. There is no excuse for this unacceptable and dangerous behaviour. The safety and security of players, colleagues and supporters is paramount.
“The club will now follow its formal sanctions process and has suspended the alleged offender’s account until the process is complete. If found guilty of the offence of entering the pitch without permission, the offender could face a criminal record and a lifetime ban from Anfield and all Premier League stadiums. These acts are dangerous, illegal and have severe consequences.”
Later on Monday, Merseyside Police announced that a 16-year-old boy had been arrested in connection with the incident, and the teenager will “voluntarily” make himself available at a police station.
“A 16-year-old boy has been arrested following the Liverpool vs Manchester United game at Anfield yesterday (Sunday 5 March),” Merseyside Police told The Athletic.
“During the match a supporter was seen on the pitch. Officers later arrested a 16-year-old boy from Winsford on suspicion of encroaching onto a football pitch.
“He is scheduled to voluntarily attend a police station in Merseyside regarding this incident. Our officers are currently working with Liverpool Football Club in relation to the incident.”
Liverpool’s demolition job of Man United lifted the Reds into fifth in the Premier League table, just three points adrift of fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur with a game in hand.
Next up for Klopp’s side is a trip to Bournemouth on Saturday lunchtime before the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie with Real Madrid, who hold a 5-2 lead from the first encounter.
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