LIVERPOOL have condemned the actions of a supporter after a smoke bomb thrown from the tier above triggered a Chelsea fan with special needs to have a panic attack.
Nine-year-old fan Donte Patterson-Stanley was in the away end watching the Reds' 2-0 win over Maurizio Sarri's side and required medical attention.
Footage on Twitter appeared to show a flare thrown into the away section of supporters shortly after Sadio Mane's opening goal.
The pyrotechnic was then lobbed onto the pitch.
Merseyside police are investigating who threw the flare.
Liverpool, who marked the 30th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster on Sunday, said in a statement: "As ever, the overwhelming majority of those present at Anfield ensured the occasion was a fitting tribute.
"Regrettably, however, a smoke device was thrown into the away section during the second half and we are actively working with Merseyside Police to investigate the matter."
There were also reports of coins being thrown by Chelsea fans after the flare was thrown down on to the away section.
The youngster's mum said her son, who she described as having special needs, was taken to a medical room and given a nebuliser, but the whole experience made him sick on the bus home.
'HE BECAME ANXIOUS'
She confirmed he has now made a full recovery.
Donte's mother Frances Stanley told the Mail: "Shortly after the smoke bomb was thrown into the away end, my son's eyes went quite red and itchy and very watery.
"He was coughing non-stop and sneezing which he wasn't doing just beforehand.
"One of the stewards came over and asked if he was OK and then offered to get one of the paramedics over to have a look at him.
"They came over straight away then took us to the first aid room.
"They were a bit concerned about his oxygen levels so proceeded to give him nebuliser to open his airways.
"It did help as the coughing eased off and he calmed quite a bit.
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"My son has special needs with developmental delays.
"It was all a bit much for him and with him not understanding what was going on, he became very anxious."
It is illegal to bring fireworks or flares into football grounds and the offence can result in a prison sentence of up to three months.
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