Everton Fan Banned: Water Bottle Attack on Man City 2026

Key Points

• Stephen Lively, 38, from West Kirby, Wirral, has been banned from all UK football grounds for three years.
• The Everton supporter threw a water bottle that hit a Manchester City player in the face during the 3-3 draw on May 4, 2026.
• Lively appeared at Sefton Magistrates’ Court on August 26, 2026, where he was convicted of common assault.
• He was fined £500 and ordered to pay £100 compensation, a £100 victim surcharge and £85 in costs.
• The incident happened at Hill Dickinson Stadium during Everton’s fixture against Manchester City.
• Lively was arrested at the stadium on suspicion of throwing a missile and assault before being charged.
• Dedicated Football Officer Robert Newsham said the sentence sends a clear message that such behaviour will not be tolerated.

Everton (Liverpool standard ) August 27, 2026 – An Everton supporter has been handed a three-year banning order from all football grounds across the United Kingdom after throwing a water bottle that struck a Manchester City player during a Premier League fixture earlier this year. Stephen Lively, 38, of South Parade, West Kirby, appeared before Sefton Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, August 26, where he was convicted of common assault following the incident that took place at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Monday, May 4.

As reported by the Liverpool Echo, Lively threw a water bottle which hit a Manchester City player in the face during Everton’s 3-3 draw with the visiting side. He was arrested at the stadium on suspicion of throwing a missile into an area adjacent to the pitch and assault. Following his conviction, the court imposed a three-year football banning order, alongside a £500 fine, £100 in compensation, a £100 victim surcharge, and £85 in costs.

Who Is Stephen Lively and What Were the Court Proceedings?

Stephen Lively, a 38-year-old Everton fan from West Kirby, Wirral, faced charges related to the water bottle incident that occurred during the May 4 fixture between Everton and Manchester City at Hill Dickinson Stadium. According to reporting by Nathan Marsh of Greatest Hits Radio, Lively pleaded guilty to his offences and was subsequently charged before appearing at Sefton Magistrates’ Court on August 26, 2026.

The court proceedings resulted in Lively receiving a three-year football banning order, which prohibits him from attending any regulated football matches across the United Kingdom. In addition to the banning order, he was financially penalised with a £500 fine and ordered to pay £100 in compensation to the victim, along with a £100 victim surcharge and £85 in court costs. The sentencing reflects the seriousness with which the courts treat violent or dangerous behaviour at football matches.

What Statement Did Police Make About the Ban?

Dedicated Football Officer Robert Newsham issued a statement following the sentencing, emphasising the zero-tolerance approach to unacceptable behaviour at football stadiums. As quoted by the Liverpool Echo, Officer Newsham said: “I hope this result sends a clear message that such behaviour will not be tolerated at any stadiums across Merseyside.”

He continued: “Players and supporters should feel safe without any fear of being attacked when they are attending a football game. Our officers will continue to work with football clubs and other police forces to identify and bring to justice anyone found responsible for committing any form of unacceptable and violent behaviour at football matches. Anyone who commits such crimes will be put before the courts to be prosecuted.”

Merseyside Police have encouraged members of the public to report any criminal behaviour at football matches through their social media desk on X @MerPolCC or via Facebook at ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’. Information can also be submitted through the force’s website or by calling 101. For anonymous reporting, the independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111 or via their website.

How Did the Incident Unfold at Hill Dickinson Stadium?

The incident took place during Everton’s 3-3 draw with Manchester City at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Monday, May 4, 2026. According to court testimony and police reports, Lively threw a water bottle from the stands which struck a Manchester City player in the face. The player was on or near the pitch area at the time of the incident.

Security personnel and stewards at the stadium identified the individual responsible, and Lively was arrested at the ground on suspicion of throwing a missile into an area adjacent to the pitch and assault. The arrest was made promptly following the incident, demonstrating the enhanced security measures and surveillance capabilities now present at Premier League stadiums.

What Are the Penalties for Throwing Objects at Football Matches?

Throwing objects at football matches is treated as a serious offence under UK law and football regulations. Individuals convicted of such behaviour can face criminal charges including common assault, throwing a missile, or violent conduct. The penalties typically include football banning orders, which can range from three to ten years depending on the severity of the incident and any previous offences.

In addition to banning orders, courts can impose fines, community service, and in more serious cases, custodial sentences. The three-year banning order given to Lively is consistent with sentencing guidelines for first-time offenders involved in missile-throwing incidents that result in physical contact with players or other spectators. The financial penalties imposed (£500 fine plus compensation and surcharges) are also within the typical range for this type of offence.

Background of the Development

The incident occurred during a period of heightened scrutiny on fan behaviour at Premier League matches. Hill Dickinson Stadium, Everton’s new home ground, opened with enhanced security protocols and surveillance systems designed to identify and prosecute individuals engaging in dangerous or violent conduct. The 3-3 draw between Everton and Manchester City on May 4, 2026, was one of the early high-profile fixtures at the new stadium, attracting significant attention from both sets of supporters.

Football banning orders have been in use in the UK since the 1980s, but their application has become more rigorous in recent years following several high-profile incidents involving missiles thrown at players. The Dedicated Football Officer unit within Merseyside Police works closely with Everton FC and other clubs to ensure swift identification and prosecution of offenders. This case represents one of several similar incidents across UK football in 2026, with courts increasingly imposing substantial banning orders to deter such behaviour.

Prediction: How This Development Can Affect Football Supporters

This sentencing is likely to have a deterrent effect on supporters across Merseyside and beyond. The public nature of the prosecution, combined with the clear statement from law enforcement, signals that throwing objects at players will result in immediate arrest, prosecution, and substantial penalties. For the average football supporter, this reinforces the expectation of safe conduct at matches and the consequences of breaching that trust.

For Everton FC specifically, the incident and subsequent banning order may prompt additional stewarding and fan education initiatives at Hill Dickinson Stadium. Clubs are increasingly aware that the behaviour of a small minority can damage the reputation of the wider supporter base. The three-year ban also means Lively will miss a significant portion of Everton’s home and away fixtures, including potential cup runs and derby matches, serving as a tangible consequence for his actions.

More broadly, this case contributes to the ongoing effort by the Premier League, police forces, and clubs to maintain football as a family-friendly and safe environment. The swift prosecution and public reporting of such cases help establish clear boundaries for acceptable behaviour, ultimately benefiting the vast majority of supporters who attend matches without incident.