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Man arrested over Anfield gesture

Patrice Evra was the focus of much attention at Anfield © PA Photos

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Merseyside Police have confirmed that a man has been arrested following an alleged racist gesture during Liverpool's FA Cup victory over Manchester United at Anfield on Saturday.

Liverpool beat their rivals in the early kick-off thanks to Dirk Kuyt's late strike, but the game was overshadowed to an extent by controversy - as an image of a man seemingly making an offensive gesture from the stands at Anfield was circulated widely on Twitter.

Merseyside Police immediately confirmed they were investigating the matter, and later on Saturday revealed that a man had been arrested in connection with the incident.

"We can confirm that a 59-year-old man from North Wales has been arrested following an alleged incident," a spokesman said. "The man has been taken to a police station and will be questioned by officers.

"Merseyside Police would like to thank North Wales Police and Liverpool Football Club for their assistance with this matter."

There had been fears that the fourth round match would provoke a fiery atmosphere, with United defender Patrice Evra returning to Anfield for the first time since the incident with Reds forward Luis Suarez which saw the Uruguayan banned for eight matches after he was found guilty of directing racially-aggravated insults at the Frenchman.

Evra, who was perhaps at fault for Kuyt's winning goal, was booed throughout the contest, although Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish had little sympathy for him afterwards.

"Are you winding me up?" Dalglish said, when asked about it. "Why would I be disappointed for Evra? I can't believe you have asked that question before anything else. Have you ever played football? I used to get booed.

"The media has played its part this week in trying to maintain dignity and respect on the pitch and to concentrate on the game. The behaviour of both sets of players on the pitch was a credit to the game. There was banter between the two sets of fans but it was friendly.

"There may not have been a lot of respect, but both sets of supporters were brilliant. I don't think there was anything there that was untoward."

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