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Police officer hurt after Liverpool-Man City game

Manchester City players stand and applaud their fans, who are waving inflatable bananas during the game at Anfield over the weekend.Image source, PA Media

Image caption,

Manchester City fans waved inflatable bananas as their team beat Liverpool 3-0

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A police officer was injured, and 10 people arrested, after trouble flared when Liverpool played Manchester City in a fevered atmosphere at Anfield over the weekend.

Merseyside Police said one man was arrested on suspicion on two offences of assault against a police constable following Sunday's game in Liverpool, which City won 3-0.

The force said the officer sustained a serious facial injury, with the perpetrator arrested on Anfield Road after the game, at around 18:30 BST. Five fans were also arrested on suspicion of tragedy chanting.

Sunday's match was the first game for City since the club was found guilty of 114 charges over the breaching of Premier League financial rules.

Merseyside Police said one fan was also arrested on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly and assault, two were arrested for affray, and one on suspicion of throwing items on to the pitch.

The force said the injured officer was taken to hospital for treatment and "is now recovering at home.

Ch 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."

'No place in football'

Speaking about the five people arrested over alleged tragedy chanting, Hobin said: "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.

She added: "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."

A blue coach carrying the Manchester City players arrives at the stadium escourted by stewards and police, ahead of the Premier League match at Anfield.Image source, PA Media

Image caption,

The Manchester City coach took an alternative route to Anfield amid heightened tensions

City had to navigate a hostile reception at Anfield on Sunday, arriving through the staff and contractors' entrance.

Reds fans held up half-and-half scarves which read: 'Shamchester City - The Cheats'.

Meanwhile, City's line-up was drowned out by deafening jeers, with banners held aloft inside the stadium carrying messages such as 'A Generation Of Supporters Cheated'.

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