The protestor who tied himself to a goal post during Everton's 1-0 win over Newcastle United has admitted taking the decision to disrupt play because 'we can't carry on as normal' with the current approach to fossil fuels.
The man was eventually freed from the Goodison Park pitch after the intervention of half a dozen people five minutes into the second half. In the end, it took bolt croppers to remove the plastic zip-tie around his neck.
Video footage has since emerged of a man naming himself as Louis McKechnie, seen speaking ahead of Thursday's game outside the home of the Blues, during which he explains why he is a supporter of the 'Just Stop Oil' campaign.
READ MORE: Everton players ratings as Alex Iwobi heroic and three others superb against Newcastle United
REACTION: Frank Lampard agrees with Alan Shearer in blunt VAR claim after Everton red card
"Hi. My name's Louis McKechnie, I'm 21-years-old and I'm a mechanical engineering student. I'm about to disrupt a football match and I'm terrified. But I believe as many people as possible need to know what a possible future holds," he said. "Billions of people not knowing if they should stay in their homes or if they can leave where they can go.
"As countries become too hot to live in, mass starvation due to crop failure, it's fighting for bread in the bakery aisle of Morrisons. The cost of living crisis, COVID and the war in Ukraine are showcasing this future. I want my government to do all they can to stop this coming true. But they are expanding oil and gas, making things worse and increasing the risk."
He added: "Just stop oil, it's a no-brainer and a first step to stop the harm. The choice is yours. We can't carry on as normal and have a safe future. Just stop oil."
The incident comes after an apparent attempt by the same group to disrupt Wednesday's game between Arsenal and Liverpool, though on that occasion the protestor was quickly stopped in his tracks and was instantly removed from the field of play by nearby stewards.
Merseyside Police confirmed last night that two men were arrested over incidents during the Everton game.
A 21-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of pitch encroachment. A second man, 39, was arrested on suspicion of assault and of pitch encroachment. Both were taken into police custody.
