Liverpool staged a second-half comeback to beat nine-man Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium. Brentford paid a heavy price for Yehor Yarmoliuk’s dismissal in first-half stoppage time for what referee John Brooks described as a “headbutting action” on Liverpool defender Jeremy Jacquet.
Keith Andrews’ side had taken the lead through Keane Lewis-Potter’s superb 44th-minute header and looked in control before the sending-off.
However, Liverpool capitalised on their numerical advantage after the break. Victor Munoz equalised in the 62nd minute, cutting inside before beating Brentford goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher with a left-footed finish after being played through by Florian Wirtz.
Alexander Isak put Liverpool ahead eight minutes later with a clinical finish for his fifth goal of the season, converting after Bradley Barcola headed down Alexis Mac Allister’s cross.
Brentford’s frustrating afternoon ended with another dismissal in stoppage time, as Vitaly Janelt received a second yellow card for fouling Liverpool substitute Rio Ngumoha.
Following the defeat, Brentford have officially released a statement confirming that the club is supporting a police investigation after an item was kicked from a height towards the field of play during Saturday’s match against Liverpool.
A club statement read: “Brentford Football Club is aware of an incident involving an item being kicked from a height towards the field of play during Saturday’s match against Liverpool.
“Such behaviour is dangerous and potentially very harmful. The matter has been referred to the police and the club is supporting the relevant authorities in their investigation to help identify those responsible and take appropriate action, which may result in criminal prosecution.
“The matchday safety of fans, staff, players and officials is of utmost importance, and the club will support all efforts to ensure action is taken.”
The club’s statement addressed a video circulating on social media that appeared to show someone kicking a rugby ball from one of the high-rise buildings overlooking the Gtech Community Stadium’s east stand.
The ball appeared to land on the stadium roof before bouncing down towards the stands and landing between the fans and the pitch. Brentford condemned the dangerous actions, while the outcome of the police investigation remains to be seen.
The victory lifted Liverpool to fifth in the Premier League table, while Brentford dropped to sixth after suffering their first defeat of the campaign.
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