Three men were arrested for alleged homophobic chanting at the Premier League clash between Liverpool and Chelsea at Anfield on Saturday, police have said.
Merseyside Police confirmed on Tuesday that, in three separate incidents, two arrests took place outside the stadium on Anfield Road with the other inside the arena itself.
A statement confirmed that the men, aged 23, 37 and 49, were arrested on suspicion of ‘homophobic intentional harassment alarm and distress’.
The statement added: ‘The 37-year-old has been bailed pending further enquiries, and the 23-year and 49-year-old will attend a voluntary interview.
‘We are also aware that 16 people were ejected from the stadium by stewards for various offences during the Premier League match.’
Superintendent Paul Sutcliffe, match commander for the game, which ended goalless, said: ‘Merseyside Police will not tolerate hate crime of any form, and we will bring to justice anyone found responsible for committing any offensive chanting.
‘In this instance, if the three suspects are charged and found guilty for the offence, then we will be seeking football banning orders on them.’