Big game clashes with National

MERSEYSIDE POLICE are satisfied with arrangements to play a Liverpool home match at the same time as the Grand National despite city mayor Joe Anderson labelling it “madness”.

Jurgen Klopp’s Reds will face Bournemouth, with a sell-out crowd of 54,000, at 5.30pm on April 14 after being moved to accommodate KLOPP: Will miss the Grand National television coverage. That is just 15 minutes after the start of the National, where an estimated 70,000 people will watch the world’s greatest steeplechase at Aintree four miles up the road.

It is the first time in 24 years that Liverpool will play at home on Grand National day but a force spokesman said: “Merseyside Police is satisfied that the force has sufficient resources to provide a professional policing response to both the National and the Liverpool game.

“The staggered finish times of these events will assist with our operations and ensure both race-goers and football fans can attend the events safely.”

Mayor Anderson fears it will put unnecessary pressure on police.

“Have just seen that Liverpool-Bournemouth is to be played on Saturday, April 14, at 5.30pm the same day as Grand National. Need urgent meeting with @MerseyPolice – they simply will not cope. Madness,” he tweeted.

When the Evertonsupporting mayor was told that the game had already been signed off, Anderson said: “Maybe, but the costs of the overtime for police will fall on the taxpayer and can the transport network cope? Seems a ridiculous decision to suit TV again.”