Liverpool have announced that they will ban the pitch invader who disrupted the team’s celebration of their seventh goal in the match against Manchester United.
The 16-year-old fan collided with the players, “accidentally” slide-tackling and injuring Andy Robertson.
Jurgen Klopp nearly erupted and wanted to fight the teen who’s been arrested by Merseyside Police for allegedly trespassing onto a football pitch.
“There is no excuse for this unacceptable and dangerous behavior,” Liverpool expressed in an official statement. “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 offense 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 also issued their own statement saying that the boy from Winsford “is scheduled to voluntarily attend a police station in Merseyside regarding this incident.”
Why did the fan rush the pitch?
The incident occurred in the 88th minute after Brazilian ace Robert Firmino made the score 7-nil against the Red Devils.
The fan attempted to join the Liverpool players’ celebration and seemed to lose footing, slipping into Andrew Robertson and Curtis Jones, causing both to appear uncomfortable. Robertson was seen clutching his ankle on camera.
The security staff quickly apprehended and brought down the fan while the Liverpool players celebrated around them.
Meanwhile, Robertson played through the remainder of the match and seemed to have no visible injury by the end.
A similar event occurred earlier this year against Arsenal’s goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale. A Tottenham fan kicked the 24-year-old in the back during the north London Derby at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last January.
After pleading guilty to a charge of assault by beating, the man was given a community order, banned from attending football matches for four years, and ordered to pay $120 in compensation.
Liverpool humble Man United 7-0
Liverpool moved into fifth place in the Premier League after drubbing Manchester United 7-0 at Anfield.
It was one of United’s heaviest-ever defeats, the last being a loss by the same scoreline to Wolves in 1931. The game also saw Mo Salah become Liverpool’s all-time leading scorer in the Premier League with 129 goals.
Erik ten Hag labeled his team ‘unprofessional’ after the defeat. However, the Red Devils can consider the shambolic loss a one-off and still finish in the top four.
Photo: Twitter/@Nishat7Ahmed
