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Everton warn fans over Rooney
18/02/2005 13:37 - (SA)
Liverpool - Everton have appealed to fans to avoid trouble if Wayne Rooney returns to Goodison Park with Manchester United in Saturday's FA Cup 5th Round tie.
The FA is monitoring Everton's security after two pitch invasions this season and club spokesperson Ian Ross said: "We have been told that the authorities are monitoring the situation, so we appeal for common sense.
"The last thing we want is anyone coming over the barriers on to the pitch," he told BBC Sport.
Police and stewarding will be stepped up but Everton are likely to face a fine if there is any repeat of the invasions.
Everton have insisted Rooney will not be receiving any special attention on the pitch when he plays at Goodison for the first time since his £27m summer move to Old Trafford.
The 19-year-old England striker is set to receive a hostile reception at the ground where he was once idolised.
But Everton assistant manager Alan Irvine said: "He will be treated in the same way we treat all good players.
"He was coming back sometime. It just happens to be a little bit earlier than we expected.
"It doesn't make a great deal of difference. He will be treated in our normal professional manner."
It has been reported that Rooney is desperate to play, despite claims will be guarded by minders after receiving threats and seeing graffiti daubed throughout Liverpool after his decision to quit Everton.
Merseyside Police, meanwhile, has told Manchester United fans with tickets for the home end at Everton that they will be ejected.
"Any away fans found sitting in designated home areas of the stadium will be ejected," said a Merseyside police spokesperson.
"Segregation is a condition of the club's safety certificate."
- AFP
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