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A man has been issued with a banning order for assaulting a police officer before a Merseyside derby game at Anfield last year.
Ben O’Meara, 25 years, from Prescot appeared at South Sefton Magistrates Court and pleaded guilty to the offence. He was issued with five-year banning order, 26 weeks imprisonment which was suspended for 18 months, 20 days rehabilitation, 200 hours unpaid work and £500 compensation.
The court heard that on 21 October last year, O’Meara was walking along 97th Avenue with a group of Everton supporters when he threw a glass bottle which struck a police officer in the face, causing injury to his face and mouth.
A reviewing CCTV footage officers identified O’Meara and he was arrested and charged with assault in November.
Chief Inspector Iain Wyke said: “The police officer suffered a deep cut to his upper lip and was shaken by the incident. He was on duty to ensure that all match-goers were able to enjoy the game safely so to be assaulted in such a manner when he was simply doing his job is shocking.
“Our police officers understand the risks of the job, but they should never have to tolerate violence against them when they are simply attempting to carry out their duties.
“This type of behaviour has no place in football and I hope this sends a clear message and acts as a deterrent to others that we will be put you before the courts to be prosecuted.”