Nine men were arrested following reports of tragedy chanting during Liverpool’s Premier League clash with Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday.
One 19-year-old man has been charged with a public order offence, while six others were released on bail and two were discharged for voluntary attendance.
The arrests came as Liverpool secured a commanding 2-0 victory over Manchester City, extending their lead at the top of the Premier League table to nine points.
The suspects, aged between 19 and 57, were from various locations across Greater Manchester, Cheshire and Lancashire.
Nine men were arrested on Sunday amid reports of tragedy chanting
PA
Kian Holt, 19, from Medlar-with-Wesham in Lancashire, has been charged with a public order offence under Section 3 of the Football Offence Act 1991 for tragedy chanting.
He is scheduled to appear at Sefton Magistrates Court on January 8.
The charge comes as part of a broader crackdown on tragedy-related chanting at football matches, with Premier League teams having agreed to new measures last June targeting such behaviour.
Criminal prosecution of offenders has been established as a principal aim of these measures.
Among those arrested were a 38-year-old man from Audenshaw, a 32-year-old man from Macclesfield, and a 52-year-old man from Denton.
Further arrests included a 57-year-old man from Failsworth and a 53-year-old man from Manchester.
Six of these men were released on bail pending further investigation.
Two men from Rochdale, aged 47 and 58, were discharged for voluntary attendance.
All suspects were detained at Anfield Stadium during the match.
Liverpool beat Man City 2-0 on Sunday
Reuters
A 28-year-old man from Prestwich was among those arrested, facing allegations of both tragedy chanting and common assault.
The arrests highlight ongoing efforts to address inappropriate behaviour at football matches.
The two men from Rochdale who were discharged for voluntary attendance will still be required to assist with police enquiries.
Merseyside Police made the arrests following specific reports of tragedy chanting during the match.
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The incident occurred during one of the season’s most anticipated fixtures between the two Premier League giants.
Liverpool’s victory came through goals from Cody Gakpo in the first half and Mohamed Salah’s penalty after the break.
The win extended Arne Slot’s side’s lead at the top of the Premier League table to nine points.
The result was particularly significant for the title race, leaving Manchester City 11 points behind the league leaders.
The defeat marked City’s fourth consecutive league loss, with Pep Guardiola’s side slipping to fifth place in the table.
The match’s sporting significance was overshadowed by the off-field incidents, which led to the multiple arrests at Anfield.