A man is set to receive a lifetime ban from Anfield for racially abusing a family at a charity game.
Steven Gallagher verbally attacked the Malik family as they watched Liverpool Legends take on Milan Glorie in a fund-raising match on Saturday afternoon.
The 37-year-old, from Ballymena in Northern Ireland, launched the tirade after the family’s five-year-old son knocked the seat in front during the game.
Gallagher admitted a charge of racially aggravated threatening or abusive behaviour with intent to cause harassment, alarm or distress on Monday.
He was given a six-week suspended prison sentence and fined £250 as well as being ordered to pay a £150 victim surcharge plus £85 prosecutions costs.
Responding to the incident, a Liverpool FC spokesperson said: “We condemn in the strongest possible terms the racist abuse that a family was subjected to during Saturday’s legends match against Milan Glorie.
“The individual responsible has received a criminal conviction and will also be subject to the club’s sanctions process.
“Anyone found guilty of such an offence will be subject to a lifetime stadium ban, regardless of the classification of fixture.
“We have contacted the Malik family to offer our support and we would like to reiterate that supporters of all backgrounds are welcome at Anfield stadium.”