Police officer seriously injured and 10 arrested at Liverpool v Manchester City match
Five of the arrests were on suspicion of tragedy chanting
A police officer suffered a serious facial injury and 10 people were arrested during the policing operation at Anfield for Liverpool's match against Manchester City, Merseyside Police said.
The match took place on Sunday 11 October.
The force said the officer was hurt at around 6.35pm, as fans were leaving the stadium.
The injury happened during the arrest of a man on Anfield Road.
The officer was taken to hospital for treatment and is now recovering at home.
Officers are carrying out enquiries, speaking to witnesses and analysing CCTV and camera phone footage.
What the arrests were for
Merseyside Police said the 10 arrests were:
- One man on suspicion of two offences of assaulting a constable.
- Five people on suspicion of tragedy chanting.
- One person on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly and assault.
- Two people for affray.
- One person on suspicion of throwing items onto the pitch.
The force said five males were arrested before and during the match under Section 5 of the Public Order Act (Tragedy Chanting).
Police statement
Chief Inspector Leanne Hobin said: "As with any fixture, Merseyside Police had a comprehensive policing operation in place, having worked alongside the clubs and fan groups to ensure the game can be enjoyed by all in a safe environment. Officers were on duty outside the ground to smoothly facilitate the movements of those travelling to and from the game, as well as minimise any disruption on the roads outside."
She added: "The officers and stewards are there to protect the public and keep them safe, and it is extremely disappointing that an officer has sustained a serious injury while carrying out that duty."
Chief Inspector Hobin said: "Enquiries into the full circumstances are ongoing so that anyone responsible for criminality can be brought to justice."
Police message on tragedy chanting
Chief Inspector Hobin said: "The tragic loss of life should never be a subject for tribal point scoring."
She said: "Football fans who chant about tragedies cause huge distress to the loved ones of people who died and their behaviour has absolutely no place in football."
She added: "We will continue to work with clubs to take action to identify any perpetrators and bring them to justice."
Chief Inspector Hobin said: "I hope the arrests today send a clear message and act as a deterrent to others. Anyone who engages in this abhorrent behaviour risks ending up in custody and getting a criminal record."
She also said: "Despite the actions of a few, the overwhelming majority of the 60,000 fans in attendance behaved well and I want to thank them for their co-operation."
How to report information
Anyone with information about any incidents can contact Merseyside Police via social media on X or Facebook @MerPolCC.
Information can also be reported on the force's website or by calling 101.
The independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online.