A teenager has been arrested in connection with “abusive chants” referencing the Hillsborough tragedy outside Anfield.
Merseyside Police said officers approached a group of men “shouting abuse” on 97 Avenue, named in tribute to those unlawfully killed in the disaster, ahead of Liverpool’s game with Shrewsbury Town on Sunday.
The arrest followed a separate incident in which a group of people, believed to have been Shrewsbury supporters, were caught on camera singing Hillsborough-related abuse in Liverpool city centre.
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In a statement released to the Shropshire Star, a spokeswoman for Merseyside Police said: "We have arrested a man after a group of men were making abusive chants before the Liverpool vs Shrewsbury game on Sunday, January 9.
"At around 1.30pm officers approached a group of men who were shouting abuse referencing the Hillsborough disaster on [the] Anfield Road junction of 97 Avenue.
"An 18-year-old man from Shrewsbury was arrested on suspicion of a public order offence.
"He has now been released pending further inquires."
The Anfield incident is separate to the abuse recorded in Liverpool city centre, which has been widely condemned.
Shrewsbury goalkeeper Harry Burgoyne was among those who took to social media to share his disgust, posting on Twitter: "As for these Shrewsbury fans! Should be ashamed of yourselves.
"Liverpool showed nothing but respect today. Shocking absolutely shocking! Out them and ban them for life!"
In a statement posted on its website, Shrewsbury said: "Shrewsbury Town Football Club is disgusted and appalled to see and hear the reports on social media about the vile and offensive chanting and behaviour of a very small minority of our 'supporters' yesterday.
"These people do not represent our club in any way shape or form and we are liaising with West Mercia Police to try and identify those responsible who will in turn liaise with Merseyside Police.
"If any supporters have any information that might assist us in identifying those responsible, they can contact the club confidentially and we will use the information as part of our investigations with the police authorities."
More than 5,000 Shrewsbury supporters attended the FA Cup third round match, which Liverpool won 4-1.
Anyone with information about either incident can contact Merseyside Police by calling 101, via Twitter (@MerPolCC) or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111 or online here.
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