Liverpool FC ban all inflatables from Anfield

Liverpool FC have issued a ban on inflatables at Anfield ahead of Sunday's clash with Manchester United.
The Reds have taken the step following word that United fans were aiming to make fun of the freak goal which condemned Rafael Benitez's side to a third consecutive defeat last weekend at Sunderland.
A youngster in the Liverpool enclosure punched the inflatable onto the pitch during the game at the Stadium of Light where it was placed in the net by goalkeeper Pepe Reina.
However the ball floated out and deflected into the path of Darren Bent's goal-bound shot, deflecting it away from the arms of the Spanish stopper and into the net to gift the Black Cats all three points.
The beach ball, which was sold as part of a £10 gift set, has gained in popularity since the incident last Saturday and bids on internet auction site eBay have exceeded £40 for the ball alone.
Red Devils supporters who have tickets for Sunday's crunch Barclays Premier League tie have been warned by club officials not to bring inflatables of any kind to Anfield as they will be confiscated by stewards.
Several United websites had urged fans to bring beach balls to taunt Kopites and have bought up the entire stock of beach balls from the club's official website which has since removed the product.
Liverpool responded to these reports by revealing that all visiting supporters will be searched on their way into Anfield on Sunday.
Birmingham-born official Andre Marriner will oversee the match between the fierce rivals but referees' chief Keith Hackett has ruled out any possibility of beach ball-influenced goals being allowed.
He said: "Just as Liverpool will take care of security at the ground, so vigilance by the match officials is likely to go up after what happened.
"I haven't told Andre to keep an eye open for any balloons on the pitch because there is no need to. He is a very experienced, capable referee. He is mindful of last week's incident and is absolutely clear that any outside object interfering with play results in an immediate stoppage and a dropped ball being awarded.
"Games like Sunday's are a challenge but I am confident Andre will maintain his good form and that there will be no problems."
No one from Liverpool FC was available for comment at time of going to press

 

by Mark Lawless. (clickliverpool.com)