Brentford cooperates with police after rugby ball thrown towards stadium

After losing 2-1 to Liverpool in the Premier League, Brentford said it was cooperating with police to identify a person filmed kicking a rugby ball from the roof of a nearby building towards the Gtech Community stadium. The incident took place during the match and prompted a safety investigation. On the pitch, Brentford let its first-half advantage slip and finished the game with nine players.

In a statement, the club said an object had been thrown from an elevated position towards the playing area, describing the behaviour as dangerous and capable of causing considerable harm. It said the matter had been referred to police and that it was supporting the authorities as they sought to identify those responsible and take appropriate action. The statement said the process could lead to criminal proceedings: that was a possibility, not an announced penalty.

Brentford also said the safety of supporters, staff, players and match officials was an absolute priority on matchdays. The Gtech Community stadium is surrounded by residential and commercial buildings, a setting that, the club said, makes incidents of this kind a serious risk to people nearby.

The result leaves Brentford sixth in the Premier League with 10 points from seven matches. Liverpool are fifth on 12 points, putting the sides two points apart. Brentford’s league record is two wins, four draws and one defeat, with 13 goals scored and eight conceded. Liverpool have three wins, three draws and one defeat, with nine goals scored and eight conceded.

Across their last five league matches, Brentford have one win, three draws and one defeat, while Liverpool have three wins, one draw and one defeat. Brentford are due to travel to face Hull City next Sunday.