Liverpool fan handed three-year football banning order

A Liverpool fan who was filmed pushing a Barcelona street seller into a fountain has been issued with a three-year football banning order.

Videos showing Anthony Mullen, 57, from Aigburth, tipping the man into the water in Placa Reial ahead of May’s Champions League semi-final first leg quickly went viral as they were shared on social media.

Police also investigated an incident where Mullen was reported to have pulled down the trousers of a steward near Anfield on the final day of the season at home to Wolves.

South Sefton Magistrates Court in Bootle on Wednesday imposed a three-year banning order, preventing Mullen from attending any regulated football matches during that time.

“These were shocking incidents during which two innocent men were targeted and humiliated by Mullen,” said Superintendent Paul White.

“The vast majority of Liverpool fans travelled to Barcelona and behaved appropriately and respectfully, however the behaviour shown by Mullen is unacceptable and will not be tolerated, whether it be at home or away games.

“We work closely with Liverpool FC and all our football teams and pride ourselves on being an inclusive city that is passionate about football, and would like to remind anyone thinking about engaging in this type of behaviour that we will pursue such incidents and bring offenders to justice.

“We do not want the mindless acts of a few to adversely affect the enjoyment of other fans and members of the public.

“I would like to thank the members of the public, including Liverpool fans, who helped us to identify Mullen and would also encourage any members of the community with information on such incidents to speak with officers or stewards at the ground, or to call 101.

“Anyone with information who does not wish to speak with us directly can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”