Police officer suffers serious facial injury as 10 are arrested at Anfield for Liverpool v Manchester City clash

From the Newshound archive · first published 12 October 2026.

A police officer sustained serious facial injuries when attacked during an arrest on Anfield Road as crowds left Sunday's Liverpool versus Manchester City match. Merseyside Police recorded 10 arrests in total across the Premier League fixture, which Liverpool lost 3-0. Chief Inspector Leanne Hobin called it 'extremely disappointing' that an officer had been seriously hurt while carrying out their duties.

Five of the 10 detained were held on suspicion of tragedy chanting, which police condemned as 'tribal point scoring' that causes 'huge distress' to victims' families.

The match was Manchester City's first since the club's guilty verdict for breaching Premier League financial rules, with Liverpool fans booing and chanting 'cheats' throughout.

Officers are examining CCTV and camera phone footage to identify further suspects, with Hobin stating the arrests should 'send a clear message and act as a deterrent'.