October 13: Merseyside Police have confirmed ten arrests and a serious injury to one of their officers during Manchester City’s visit to Liverpool on Sunday.
A man was arrested on suspicion of two counts of assaulting an officer. Five were arrested on suspicion of singing a tragedy. One for being drunk and disorderly and assault, two for fighting and one for throwing objects on the field of play.
At around 6.35pm, as supporters were leaving the ground, an officer suffered a serious facial injury while making an arrest at Anfield Road. He was treated in hospital and is recovering at home.
Chief Inspector Leanne Hobin said: “Officers and administrators are there to protect the public and keep them safe and it is extremely disappointing that an officer has suffered a serious injury whilst carrying out this role. Inquiries into all the circumstances are ongoing so that anyone responsible for the crime can be brought to justice.
“Football fans who sing about tragedies cause great distress to the loved ones of the people who died and their behavior has no place in football.”
The Hillsborough disaster in 1989 resulted in the deaths of 97 Liverpool fans.
This was City’s first away game since their guilty verdict for financial defaults, which the club has appealed. Hundreds gathered outside Anfield. The team bus entered through a rear entrance. Inside, the City players were met with banners, chants about cheating and jeers from the first whistle. The club has appealed the sentence.