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Cops hurt in soccer brawl
20/02/2005 12:26 - (SA)
Liverpool - Five police officers were injured and 33 people were arrested during fights and street brawling following Manchester United's 2-0 victory over Everton.
On policeman was hospitalised with minor injuries.
Extra security was in place for Saturday's FA Cup fifth-round match with former Everton star Wayne Rooney returning for the first time since leaving Everton over the summer for Manchester United.
A police spokesperson said most of incidents were alcohol-related.
"The incidents were quickly dealt with by the officers at the scene and the escort was established to cause as little disruption as possible," police said in a statement.
The match at Goodison Park was marred by fans throwing objects onto the field. Man United goalkeeper Roy Carroll was struck in the head by a mobile phone thrown from the stands.
Everton spokesman Ian Ross termed the fan who threw the phone "a mindless moron."
"It was a disgraceful incident, but an isolated one and we hope the police will be able to deal with it," Ross said. "We prepared for a major fixture in the right way, and made appeals to fans about their behaviour. And 99% did behave well but just one fan has disgraced the name of this club."
- AP
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