Brentford refer rugby-ball pitch incident to police

Club says incident was dangerous and potentially harmful

Brentford say they are working with police after a rugby ball was kicked from a height towards the pitch during their Premier League match against Liverpool.

Video shared on social media appeared to show a man on a rooftop near the Gtech Community Stadium kicking the ball towards the pitch as others laughed and cheered. A separate clip from inside the ground showed a member of staff removing the ball while play continued.

In a statement, the club said: “Such behaviour is dangerous and potentially very harmful.” Brentford added that the matter had been referred to police and that it was supporting the investigation to help identify those responsible. The club said appropriate action could include criminal prosecution.

Brentford stress matchday safety

“The matchday safety of fans, staff, players and officials is of utmost importance, and the club will support all efforts to ensure action is taken,” the statement said.

Brentford lost 2-1 to Liverpool on Saturday. Yehor Yarmolyuk and Vitaly Janelt were both sent off in the second half, and Brentford are sixth in the league table.