Protester At Everton-Newcastle Game Charged And Banned
A protester who disrupted Thursday's Premier League game between Everton and Newcastle United by attaching himself to a goalpost by the neck has been charged and banned.
21-year-old Louis McKechnie cable tied himself to a goalpost at Goodison Park shortly after the start of the second half leading to a lengthy delay.
McKechnie's actions were in protest against oil consumption as he wore a shirt bearing the message 'Just Stop Oil'.
The game was halted for close to eight minutes as stewards struggled to release McKechnie from the post before a pair of bolt cutters was eventually brought to cut him free.
It led to a chunk of time being added on at the end of the game which led to Alex Iwobi scoring the only goal of the game for Everton in the ninth minute of stoppage time.
Authorities have now charged the protester for trespassing and banned him from attending sporting events across the country.
"A man from Weymouth has been charged following reports that a man ran on to the pitch at the Everton vs Newcastle United Premier League fixture at Goodison last night," read an official statement from West Merseyside Police.
"At around 8.55pm it was reported that a man disrupted the match by running onto the pitch and tying himself to the goal post at the Howard Kendall Gwladys Street End.
"Louis McKechnie, 21, was charged with Pitch Encroachment and Aggravated Trespass and is due to attend Liverpool Community Justice Court on Tuesday 19 April 2022.
"He has been bailed and is banned from attending any venue being used for a regulated football match in England and Wales, any sporting venues being used for a televised event in England and Wales and any venues being used for a televised event in England and Wales."
