A police officer sustained a serious facial injury and 10 people were arrested following disorder that broke out after Liverpool hosted Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday, Merseyside Police have confirmed.

Manchester City claimed a commanding 3-0 victory in the match — the club's first fixture since being found guilty of 114 breaches of Premier League financial rules — yet it was the scenes away from the pitch that drew alarm.

Officer assaulted near the ground

According to Merseyside Police, one man was arrested on suspicion of two counts of assault on a police constable. He was detained on Anfield Road at approximately 18:30 BST, shortly after the final whistle. The injured officer was taken to hospital and is now recovering at home.

Chief Inspector Leanne Hobin condemned the attack: "The officers and stewards are there to protect the public and keep them safe, and it is extremely disappointing that an officer has sustained a serious injury while carrying out that duty."

Further arrests made

Beyond the assault, five fans were arrested on suspicion of tragedy chanting. One individual was also arrested on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly and assault, two were detained for affray, and one on suspicion of throwing items onto the pitch.

Ch Insp Hobin was unequivocal in her condemnation of the chanting: "The tragic loss of life should never be a subject for tribal point-scoring. Football fans who chant about tragedies cause huge distress to the loved ones of people who died, and their behaviour has absolutely no place in football."

She confirmed that police would continue working with clubs to identify and prosecute offenders, while also acknowledging that the vast majority of the approximately 60,000 supporters in attendance had behaved responsibly.

Hostile atmosphere inside Anfield

Manchester City arrived at Anfield via the staff and contractors' entrance in an effort to avoid the hostility that greeted them. Inside the stadium, Liverpool supporters raised banners carrying messages including 'A Generation Of Supporters Cheated', and half-and-half scarves were visible bearing the words 'Shamchester City — The Cheats', a direct reference to City's off-field legal troubles.

Merseyside Police said they would continue collaborating with both clubs to prevent a repeat of Sunday's incidents.