Fan Protesting Ryanair Hiring Policies Handcuffs Self to Goalpost, Interrupts Manchester City-Everton Game
A bizarre incident stopped play for five minutes during the Manchester City-Everton game on Tuesday, after police were forced to deal with a protester, who handcuffed himself to a goalpost. The Telegraph reports a 46-year-old ran onto the field and used handcuffs to secure himself to a goalpost at Everton's Goodison Park.
He was charged and will appear at Liverpool City Magistrates Court on Feb. 17 after being released on bail.
Police had to use bolt-cutters to detach the man's handcuffs from the post. After a rule set in 1991 under the Football Offences Act, "going on to the playing area during a football match" was deemed an offense.
According to a statement released by Everton FC on Wednesday, the fan is "known as a professional protester." He was protesting Ryanair's recruitment policy, according to Merseyside Police.
The statement also said, "Bolt-cutters were used to remove the offender, who was roundly booed as he was escorted from the ground ... He was arrested by Merseyside Police, who are now dealing with the matter."
Everton went on to defeat City 1-0, with Darron Gibson's 60th minute goal -- his first since moving to Everton from Manchester United -- proving to be the winner. Gibson's goal helped Manchester United move up and join its cross-town rival at the top of the Premier League table. Though level on points, City holds the edge because it has a better goal differential.
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