Brentford refer 'dangerous' rugby ball balcony incident to police after Liverpool defeat

Brentford have confirmed they have referred a potentially criminal incident to police after a man was filmed kicking a rugby ball from a balcony overlooking the Gtech Community Stadium during Saturday’s Premier League defeat to Liverpool.

The Bees lost 2-1 to the Reds, with Keane Lewis-Potter’s 44th-minute opener cancelled out by second-half contributions from Victor Munoz and Alexander Isak. But it was an unusual off-pitch incident that prompted a formal club statement on Monday.

Footage circulating on social media appeared to show a male volleying a rugby ball from a balcony above the stadium, with the ball landing on the field of play below. A separate clip showed a man carrying the rugby ball away from the pitch.

In a statement, Brentford said: “Brentford Football Club is aware of an incident involving an item being kicked from a height towards the field of play during Saturday’s match against Liverpool. Such behaviour is dangerous and potentially very harmful.”

The club added that the matter had been referred to police and that it was cooperating with authorities to identify those responsible. “The matchday safety of fans, staff, players and officials is of utmost importance, and the club will support all efforts to ensure action is taken,” the statement read, noting that the investigation could result in criminal prosecution.

The incident overshadowed what had otherwise been a competitive afternoon for Brentford, who sit sixth in the Premier League table after seven matches, with two wins, four draws and one defeat. Their next fixture is an away trip to Hull City on Sunday, 25 October.

Liverpool, meanwhile, occupy fifth place with three wins and three draws from their opening seven league games. Arne Slot’s side face Villarreal in the Champions League on Tuesday, 20 October, before hosting Brighton — currently third in the table — the following Sunday. The Reds are also contending with a number of injury absentees, leaving their squad stretched across multiple competitions.