A man who threw a bottle during an Everton game has been banned from football matches for four years.
Roger Tweedle was found guilty of throwing the missile which hit Aston Villa player Matty Cash during the Premier League game on January 22 this year.
The 19-year-old had been arrested and charged a day after he launched a plastic Lucozade bottle towards Cash and his teammates at Goodison Park.
Tweedle appeared at South Sefton Magistrates Court on Thursday, where he was convicted of throwing missiles onto a football pitch and section 39 assault.
He received a four-year football banning order preventing him from attending any regulated matches alongside a suspended eight-week prison sentence.
Additionally, the Walton resident was ordered to complete 100 hours of unpaid work and pay a fine and court costs.
Paul White, match commander and temporary Assistant Chief Constable, said: “Such behaviour at sporting events will not be tolerated by Merseyside Police, and working closely with clubs, we are doing all we can to eradicate such behaviour.
“Players should not have to tolerate any items being thrown towards them or onto the pitch. It endangers players, spectators, fans and officials and the consequences are potentially catastrophic.
“We work closely with the management and staff from Everton FC and this outcome was made possible by the diligence of officers and stewards on duty at this game.
“Tweedle will now have a criminal record and the consequences of this in the future could prove to be significant.
“I would also like to warn anyone thinking about engaging in this type of behaviour that we will pursue all such incidents until offenders are brought to justice.
“It is vital that anyone who witnesses such offences reports them to police. We would also encourage any members of the community with information to speak with officers or stewards at the ground, or to call 101.
“Anyone with information who does not wish to speak with us directly can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”