Man loses finger in soccer brawl

Police said such violence will not be tolerated

A man has undergone plastic surgery after his finger was cut off in a brawl involving Merseyside football fans, who were carrying a machete and a handgun.

The 34-year-old man had to be taken to hospital after he lost his middle finger in the fight, which police described as an instance of "serious disorder".

A number of people suffered injuries during the brawl at the match that has led to the teams, St Cyrils FC and Bramley FC, being suspended indefinitely from the CMS League.

On Tuesday, Merseyside Police appealed for witnesses following the violence on Saturday in the Knotty Ash area.

Violence of this sort will not be tolerated

Detective Inspector Steve May

Police officers recovered the machete from the side of the pitch shortly after the incident, at 1550 GMT, but they are still trying to track down the gun, which was not fired.

The victim, who has not been named, was taken to hospital shortly after the disturbance on the pitches at Thomas Lane, and underwent extensive hand surgery.

Detective Inspector Steve May, from Lower Lane CID, said incidents like this are "rare".

"However, this is something we are taking very seriously," he said.

"There were a number of spectators and players who were not involved in the incident and we would appeal for them to come forward with information.

"We are paying very close attention to this matter and will be doing all we can to find those responsible.

"Violence of this sort will not be tolerated."