Man charged for handcuff protest
Game delayed by goal post stunt
Last Updated: February 1, 2012 4:15pm
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Police have charged a man who delayed Everton's Premier League clash with Manchester City at Goodison Park by handcuffing himself to the goal post.
John Joseph Foley, of Lord Street in Southport, ran onto the pitch at the Park End of the ground and handcuffed himself to Joe Hart's left-hand post towards the end of the first half of the game on Tuesday evening.
Play was delayed for around five minutes while police and stewards tried to remove the man from the posts and escort him from the field.
Merseyside Police have since confirmed they have charged the 46-year-old with going on to the playing area during a football match, which falls under the Football Offences Act 1991.
He has been bailed and is due to appear at Liverpool City Magistrates Court on February 17.
"Bolt-cutters were used to remove the offender, who was roundly booed as he was escorted from the ground," read an Everton statement.
"It transpired that the supporter is a known professional protester, allegedly protesting about an airline's recruitment policy. He was arrested by Merseyside Police, who are now dealing with the matter."
