FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - UEFA Nations League - Group E - Republic of Ireland v Scotland - Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Republic of Ireland - June 11, 2022 Scotland's Andy Robertson reacts Action Images via Reuters/Molly Darlington
(Reuters) -A pitch invader who collided with the Liverpool players celebrating their seventh goal against Manchester United and nearly injured Andy Robertson has been arrested by Merseyside Police and will be banned from Anfield for life.
As the players celebrated the final goal of Sunday's 7-0 drubbing of their rivals, the fan ran on to the pitch and slipped, colliding with Robertson who went down clutching his ankle, although the Scot finished the match.
Merseyside Police said a 16-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of encroaching onto a football pitch.
"There is no excuse for this unacceptable and dangerous behaviour. The safety and security of players, colleagues and supporters is paramount," the club said in a statement on Monday.
"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."
The police said their officers were working with the club in relation to the incident.
"He is scheduled to voluntarily attend a police station in Merseyside regarding this incident," it said in a statement.
The fan was led away by stewards and also got a earful from Liverpool boss Juergen Klopp, who was furious on the touchline as the linesman attempted to calm the German manager.
The result boosted Liverpool's top-four hopes as the Anfield club moved up to fifth, three points behind fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur with a game in hand. They next play away at relegation-threatened Bournemouth on Saturday.
(Reporting by Rohith Nair in Bengaluru;Editing by Christian Radnedge)
