Liverpool have launched an immediate investigation into the pitch intruder who struck Andy Robertson and provoked the wrath of manager Jurgen Klopp.
The Reds beat bitter historical rivals Manchester United 7-0 at Anfield on Sunday.
But the evening turned slightly sour when a fan ran onto the pitch after the seventh goal, slipped and fell head over heels into left-back Andy Robertson.
Robertson was holding his ankle in pain after the incident and Klopp raged at the supporter as he was taken away by stewards because he risked injuring one of his players.
And the Merseyside club have now released a statement that an investigation is underway to identify the fan and ban him – which could result in a criminal record and a life ban if found guilty.
Liverpool have launched an investigation into the attacker who stormed the pitch at Anfield
Reds manager Jurgen Klopp was furious after a fan who invaded the pitch knocked out Andrew Robertson
Liverpool FC have launched an immediate investigation to identify and ban the lone pitchrunner from Sunday’s Premier League game against Manchester United at Anfield.
– Liverpool FC (@LFC) March 6, 2023
It read: “Liverpool FC have launched an immediate investigation to identify and ban the lone pitchrunner from Sunday’s Premier League game against Manchester United at Anfield.
“The culprit ran onto the pitch and collided with Liverpool players, risking injury as they celebrated 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 fans is of paramount importance. The club will now pursue its formal sanctions process and have suspended the alleged offender’s account until the process is complete.
“If the offender is found guilty of entering the pitch without permission, the offender could face a criminal record and a life ban from Anfield and all Premier League stadiums. These actions are dangerous, illegal and have serious consequences.”
Klopp was in high spirits throughout the second half as his side dismantled the Red Devils thanks to goals from Cody Gakpo, Mohamed Salah, Darwin Nunez and Roberto Firmino, but his mood soon turned to anger after the pitch incident.
The supporter, who stormed Anfield after Firmino scored a net in the 88th minute, slipped as he approached the players and obliterated Robertson, who fell to the ground holding his ankle with a grimace.
The fan was quickly attacked by security forces and escorted off the pitch past the German, who was yelling and gesturing angrily at the embarrassed pitch intruder, fearing one of his star defenders was now in danger of injury.
Klopp had to be restrained by the linesman, who was on hand to calm the manager on the touchline. Luckily, Robertson was able to carry on and see Liverpool’s triumph against the visitors.
The Pitch Invasor crashed into the Liverpool huddle, obliterating Robertson, who fell
Robertson was holding his ankle and appeared to be in pain as security forces lunged at the supporter
The Reds fan looked embarrassed as Klopp yelled and gestured at him on the touchline
The Scot played brilliantly, setting up Gakpo’s opener just before half-time and dealing brilliantly with right winger Antony in defence.
The Dutchman’s goal gave Liverpool a 1-0 lead at half-time after what appeared to be an even first 45 minutes at Anfield. But a ball-head from Nunez just after the break stunned Manchester United and set the tone for the second half.
Gakpo scored the third against David de Gea shortly after and Salah struck the fourth in the 66th minute, blowing out the lackluster side of Erik ten Hag.
United’s surrender continued as Nunez and Salah both made two braces and confidently converted their chances before Firmino scored the late goal.
Liverpool climbed above Newcastle and within three points of Tottenham, who sit fourth in the Champions League on 45 points, while United all but waved goodbye to all title hopes as they now lie 14 points behind leaders Arsenal.
