EIGHT men were arrested both inside and outside Anfield at last night’s Merseyside football derby, police have confirmed.

Of those, two have been charged, one with an offence of criminal damage and the second with a racially aggravated public order offence.

Colin Dobie, 30-years-old, of Adlington Street, Liverpool city centre, was arrested outside the ground on suspicion of criminal damage.

Dobie was subsequently charged with this offence and has been bailed to appear at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court on Thursday,  February 20.

Paul Howells, 27-years-old, of Wellbrow Road, Walton, was arrested inside the ground for a racially aggravated public order offence and subsequently charged. Howells has been bailed to appear at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court on 20 February.

Other arrests include: A 29-year-old man from Wirral was arrested outside the ground for breach of the peace and bound over for a period of time. The man was spoken to and no further police action will be taken in relation to this matter.

A 36-year-old man was arrested outside the ground on suspicion of ticket touting and he remains in police custody at this time.

A 23-year-old man from Liverpool was arrested inside the ground during the game on suspicion of disorder (throwing items during the game at another fan) and taken from the stadium. He has since been spoken to by officers and bailed pending further enquiries. This arrest is not connected to reports of objects being thrown at the playing area.

A 19-year-old man from Southport was arrested inside the ground for being drunk and disorderly. He was spoken to by officers and issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice.

A 22-year-old man from Knowsley was arrested outside the ground for breach of the peace and bound over for a period of time. He was spoken to by officers and no further police action will be taken in relation to this matter.

A 25-year-old was arrested inside the ground for being drunk and disorderly. He was spoken to by officers and issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice.