Statement on scenes involving fans at Everton v Crystal Palace

We arrested four males at Goodison Park on Thursday (19 May) following incidents involving pyrotechnics at the ground and fans entering the pitch.
 
Three males were arrested on suspicion of entering or attempting to enter a football ground while in possession of a flare, smoke bomb or firework and will attend for voluntary interview at a later date.

One male was arrested for a breach of the peace and later de-arrested.

Chief Inspector Andy Rankine said: “We’re grateful to the majority of fans who were well behaved and engaged with the police and stewards at the match.

"We understand that football fans want to show support for their team, and that passions can run particularly high at the end of the football season with a lot at stake.
 
“We know the joy and relief Everton fans felt as they secured Premier League survival, but we always want fans to enjoy such occasions safely and we will not tolerate anti-social or criminal behaviour under any circumstances.
 
“We have unfortunately seen a trend develop across the country of supporters setting off pyrotechnics inside football grounds.
 
“It is illegal to bring them into football grounds for a reason, as flares, smoke bombs and fireworks can pose a serious danger to those who carry them, as well as those around them when they are set off.

“Last night, one officer was treated for smoke inhalation after a pyrotechnic was set off close to his face, and it is completely unacceptable that officers working to keep people safe should be exposed to such dangers.
 
“Bringing items such as smoke bombs, flares and fireworks could lead to fans being arrested, ejected from the stadium and issued with a football banning order of up to five years, or even jailed.
 
“We will continue to work with Everton to study CCTV footage to identify those who brought smoke bombs, flares or fireworks into Goodison Park and they will be dealt with robustly by the police, the club and the courts.”
 
If anyone believes they have information about the illegal use or possession of pyrotechnics, please contact Merseyside Police social media desk via Twitter @MerseyPolice or Facebook Merseyside Police CC. You can also call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.