Liverpool launch investigation into ‘unacceptable and dangerous’ behavior by pitch invader who collided with Andy Robertson in 7-0 thrashing of Manchester United… after Reds boss Jurgen Klopp went on a rampage with the offender for risking injury
Liverpool have started an immediate investigation into the pitch invader who punched Andy Robertson and drew the ire of manager Jurgen Klopp.
The Reds defeated bitter historic rivals Manchester United 7-0 at Anfield on Sunday.
But the night turned sour a bit when a fan ran onto the field after the seventh goal, slipped and fell headfirst onto left-back Andy Robertson.
Robertson held his ankle in pain after the incident, and Klopp lashed out at the fan when he was taken away by the stewards, for risking injuring one of his players.
And the Merseyside club have now released a statement saying an investigation is underway to identify and ban the fan, which could lead to a criminal record and a lifetime ban if convicted.
Liverpool have opened an investigation into the pitch invader who broke into the Anfield pitch
Reds manager Jurgen Klopp was furious after a fan encroaching on the pitch pulled Andrew Robertson
It read: ‘Liverpool FC have launched an immediate investigation to identify and ban the individual outfield runner from Sunday’s Premier League game against Manchester United at Anfield.
The offender ran onto the pitch and collided with the Liverpool players, risking injury, while they were celebrating the seventh goal in front of the Main Stand. There is no excuse for this unacceptable and dangerous behavior.
‘The safety of players, colleagues and supporters is paramount. The club will now follow its formal sanctions process and have suspended the alleged offender’s account until the process is complete.
“If found guilty of the offense of entering the field 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 serious consequences.’
Klopp was in high spirits during the second half as his team dismantled the Red Devils thanks to goals from Cody Gakpo, Mohamed Salah, Darwin Núñez and Roberto Firmino, but his mood soon turned to fury after the incident that encroached on the pitch. .
The fan, who stormed onto the Anfield pitch after Firmino’s 88th-minute goal, slipped as he approached the players and swept past Robertson, who fell to the ground and clutched his ankle with a grimace.
Security quickly pounced on the fan and escorted him off the pitch past the German, who shouted and gesticulated furiously at the timid pitch invader, fearing that one of his star defenders was now at risk of injury.
Klopp had to be held back by the linesman, who was on hand to calm the coach down on the touchline. Fortunately, Robertson was able to carry on and watch Liverpool win against the visitors.
The pitch invader crashed into the Liverpool group and took out Robertson, who went down
Robertson held his ankle and appeared to be in pain as security pounced on the supporter.
The Reds fan looked coy as Klopp yelled and gestured at him on the touchline.
The Scotsman enjoyed an excellent game, setting up Gakpo’s opening goal shortly before half-time and dealing magnificently with right-back Antony in defence.
The Dutchman’s goal put Liverpool 1-0 up at half time after a seemingly even first 45 minutes at Anfield. But a header from Núñez shortly after half time stunned Manchester United and set the tone for the second half.
Gakpo scored the third past David de Gea moments later and Salah converted the fourth on 66 minutes, blowing Erik ten Hag’s lackluster full-back out of the water.
United’s capitulation continued as Núñez and Salah scored braces for themselves, ending their chances with aplomb before Firmino’s late goal.
Liverpool edged past Newcastle to move within three points of Tottenham, who sit fourth in the Champions League with 45 points, while United all but kissed any title hopes goodbye as they now sit 14 points behind. Arsenal leader.