POLICE arrested and charged FOUR fans before Liverpool’s thrilling 2-2 draw with Manchester City for possession of flares.
Mersyside Police have confirmed four men were taken into custody after a flare was thrown outside Anfield before the clash.
The police have been praised for their quick intervention, helping prevent any ‘serious injuries and damage’.
A Merseyside Police statement read: “We have charged four men following incidents involving flares in Anfield yesterday, Sunday 4 October.
“At around 3.05pm, four men were identified by officers as having possession of flares in the Anfield Road area, one of which was thrown, causing no damage or injury.
“A 38-year-old man from Liverpool City Centre was charged with Throw/cast/ fire fireworks in a highway/street/thoroughfare/public place. He has been conditionally bailed on a date in November.
“A 22-year-old man from Ballycastle, County Antrim was charged with possessing a firework/flare at a sporting event. He has been conditionally bailed on a date in October.
“A 19-year-old man from Ballycastle, County Antrim was charged with possessing a firework/flare at a sporting event and possessing a firework while trying to enter a designated sports ground. He has been conditionally bailed to appear on a date in October.
“A 35-year-old man from Belfast, County Antrim has issued with a cannabis possession warning and a fixed penalty notice for Throw/cast/ fire fireworks in a highway/street/thoroughfare/public place.
Assistant chief constable Rob Carden added: “A swift response from our officers on the ground resulted in three arrests and the confiscation of flares which could have caused serious injuries and damage.
“We have worked closely with both clubs in an extensive policing plan for this fixture, and it’s great to see the vast majority of supporters enjoying the day.
“Those people involved in such behaviour aren’t genuine supporters, but the impact of their actions is damaging to those who attend every game to watch their team play.
“That they were quickly identified and detained is credit to the diligence of those officers present.”
In the game, Man City twice fought from a goal down to snatch a late 2-2 draw at Liverpool.
The Reds are also investigating claims by Man City that a fan spat on one of Pep Guardiola’s assistants.
City demanded action from Liverpool’s security staff following the alleged incident, shortly after Phil Foden made it 1-1.
Despite the visitors complaining instantly, stewards insisted they could not eject the supporter as they did not see the incident.
Liverpool will now study CCTV footage to try to identify the fan but City have not involved the police yet.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
