PREMIER LEAGUE
Liverpool fan arrested and faces lifetime ban for ‘tackle’ on Andy Robertson
The Reds thrashed rivals Manchester United 7-0 in the Premier League an Anfield but one fan took his celebrations too far.
What a day it must be to be a Liverpool fan. You’ve just seen your team thrash bitter rivals Manchester United 7 (SEVEN)-0 in a carnival atmosphere at Anfield. Your hero Mohamed Salah has become the club’s all-time leading goalscorer after netting twice against the Red Devils. And the odds of the Reds qualifying for the Champions League (OK, not the main aim at the start of the season) look better than they have done in months. What a day…unless you’re the Liverpool fan who ‘tackled’ Andy Robertson.
It was a historic victory for Jürgen Klopp’s side against United but one that one 16-year-old will remember for all the wrong reasons. Liverpool incredibly rattled in six goals in a second-half rout but it all got too much for the overexcited teenager when his team’s seventh, scored by Roberto Firmino in the 88th minute, went in.
The fan ran from his seat in the stand and onto the pitch to celebrate with the players, who were all huddled together by the touchline, but careered into Robertson as he slipped to the ground and took the Scot down with him.
Luckily, the defender escaped serious injury and was able to play on for the final few minutes but Klopp was visibly seething with the pitch invader as he was escorted away by the police.
Liverpool FC statement: “dangerous” and “illegal”
Now for the consequences.
From the club’s side, the threat of a criminal record and a lifetime ban from both Anfield and indeed all Premier League stadiums. Liverpool’s statement addressing the incident reads:
“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.”
Merseyside Police statement
Merseyside Police, meanwhile, issued the following statement:
“A 16-year-old boy has been arrested following the Liverpool vs Manchester United game at Anfield yesterday (Sunday 5 March).
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.”
Seven moments of joy for the youngster, which ultimately proved to be one too far.