THE Chief Constable of Merseyside, Bernard Hogan-Howe, faced criticism yesterday after allowing a late kick-off for a football match that was then spoilt by crowd violence.

Many fans spent the day drinking heavily before the 5.30pm kick-off of the FA Cup game between Manchester United and Everton, apparently leading to trouble inside Goodison Park and on streets surrounding the stadium. Five police officers were injured and 33 people arrested when fans fought running battles. Roy Carroll, United’s goalkeeper, was struck on the head by a coin and items including a mobile phone were thrown on to the pitch.

Merseyside Police had agreed to a request from the BBC — which televised the game live — and Everton FC for a late kick-off.

Trouble had been predicted because the match was Wayne Rooney’s first at Goodison Park since his transfer from Everton to Manchester United.

Rooney, a boyhood Everton fan, was subjected to barracking from the home crowd throughout the game, which was won by Manchester United.

Violence spilt on to the streets afterwards as police escorted Manchester United fans to Lime Street railway station.

In what appeared to be a planned attack, a group of home supporters ambushed the away fans, throwing bricks, bottles and other missiles. Men pulled up paving stones to hurl at police and opposing fans. The most seriously hurt police officer suffered a suspected broken hand and a gash that needed stitches. “We were being escorted back to our trains and they came out of the darkness throwing things,” a United fan said. “Unfortunately a section of United supporters responded and things went to pot.”

Merseyside Police said that 400 officers were on the scene because crowd trouble had been feared.

A spokeswoman said that the force would have preferred a noon kick-off but agreed to the later time for the club and the BBC.

The BBC said that the final decision on match times was always left to the police.

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