A police officer suffered serious facial injuries while making an arrest at yesterday's Liverpool versus Manchester City match at Anfield. The officer is now recovering at home after being treated in hospital, Merseyside Police said.
Ten arrests made during Premier League clash
Ten arrests were made during the Premier League clash, which was City's first game since the club was found guilty of breaking financial rules. The league leaders beat Liverpool 3-0 after a turbulent few weeks.
City could face a huge punishment including points deductions and even expulsion if they fail in their appeal against the verdict of an independent commission, which ruled on more than 100 charges of breaking Premier League rules.
Chants and taunts directed at City
City were taunted throughout the game by Liverpool fans with booing and numerous chants of 'cheats'.
Merseyside Police said one man was arrested on suspicion of two offences of assaulting a constable, five on suspicion of tragedy chanting, one on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly and assault, two for affray and one on suspicion of throwing items onto the pitch.
Officer injured during arrest
The officer was injured at about 6.35pm, as fans left the stadium during the arrest of a man on Anfield Road.
Chief Insp Leanne Hobin said: "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. Enquiries into the full circumstances are ongoing so that anyone responsible for criminality can be brought to justice."
Chief Insp Hobin said officers would continue to crack down on fans who take part in 'tribal point scoring' by chanting about disasters such as Hillsborough.
Chief Inspector Hobin added: "The tragic loss of life should never be a subject for tribal point scoring. 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.
"We will continue to work with clubs to take action to identify any perpetrators and bring them to justice. 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. 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."
