Brentford have referred an incident involving a rugby ball kicked towards the pitch during their Premier League match against Liverpool to the police, describing the behaviour as “dangerous and potentially very harmful”.
Footage circulating on social media appears to show a man kicking the ball from a rooftop overlooking the Gtech Community Stadium while others watch and cheer. A separate video shows a member of staff carrying a rugby ball away from the playing area as the match continues.
The club confirmed on Monday that it is assisting the authorities in efforts to identify those responsible. Depending on the findings of the investigation, the incident could lead to criminal prosecution.
Brentford stressed that the safety of supporters, players, staff and match officials was a priority and said it would support efforts to ensure appropriate action was taken.
No details of any arrests or charges were included in the club’s statement.
Incident Follows Brentford’s Defeat to Liverpool
The incident occurred during Saturday’s Premier League fixture, in which Brentford lost 2-1 to Liverpool at home.
The hosts took the lead through Keane Lewis-Potter, but Liverpool recovered after Yehor Yarmoliuk was sent off before half-time. Victor Muñoz equalised in the second half before Alexander Isak scored the winner. Brentford finished the match with nine men after Vitaly Janelt received a second yellow card.
The defeat left Brentford sixth in the Premier League table, one place behind Liverpool.
While the match was decided on the pitch, the rugby-ball incident has since drawn attention to the potential risks of throwing or kicking objects towards a crowded stadium from nearby buildings.
Brentford have urged that the matter be treated seriously as the police work to establish who was responsible.
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