A MAN from Skipton has been arrested, accused of assaulting a police officer, following disorder in the stands at the weekend's Everton vs Leeds United match.

The 44-year-old has been released under investigation after being interviewed over the crowd trouble at Goodison Park on Saturday

Police were called into the away end at the start of the second half following reports a steward had been "headbutted".

While officers tried to detain the male in question, other people in the stand began to throw bottles at them and two were punched in the face.

This prompted police to use pepper spray on attendees in the section of the ground where Leeds United supporters were gathered "to bring the situation under control".

A spokesperson from Merseyside Police said: "At around 4.05pm at the start of the second half, it was reported a steward had been headbutted by a man in the away section on the Lower Bullens stand.

"Officers attended and while attempting to detain the male, other members of the crowd began to throw bottles at officers and two officers were punched to the face.

"One man, aged 44, from Skipton, was arrested on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly and assaulting an officer. He was taken into custody to be interviewed and has been released under investigation.

"When police were assaulted, officers deployed PAVA spray in order to bring the situation under control for the safety of fans near to the disturbance.

"Efforts were made immediately after to identify anyone affected by the spray and provide them with aftercare and support.

"The use of PAVA in this incident has been reviewed by our Professional Standards Department who are satisfied that its use was proportionate and necessary.

"Enquiries into the incident are ongoing and Merseyside Police is examining CCTV and working with Everton FC and Leeds United to establish the full circumstances and identify any offenders."

On the pitch, Everton won the game 3-0.

Keep up to date with all the latest news on our website, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

For all the top news updates from right across the region straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter here.

Have you got a story for us? Contact our newsdesk on newsdesk@telegraphandargus.co.uk