Everton’s crunch Premier League clash with Newcastle on Thursday was held up for six minutes when a protester tied himself to one of the goalposts.
Louis McKechnie, who was wearing a T-shirt supporting a group called Just Stop Oil, entered the Goodison Park pitch early in the second half and attached himself to a post by wrapping something around his neck.
The 21-year-old climate activist is a vocal member of environmental group Insulate Britain.
The protester explained his actions in a TikTok video: "My name's Louis McKechnie. I'm 21 years old and I am a mechanical engineering student.
"I'm about to disrupt a football match and I'm terrified but I believe as many people as possible need to know what a possible future holds.
Undated handout photo issued by Insulate Britain of Louis McKechnie
Insulate Britain
"Billions of people not knowing if they should stay in their homes or if they leave where they can go. As countries become too hot to live in and mass starvation due to crop failure.
"It's fighting for bread in the bakery aisle of Morrisons. The cost of living crisis, Covid and the war in Ukraine are showcasing this future."
Louis McKechnie ties himself to the goal frame during the Premier League match at Goodison Park, Liverpool. Picture date: Thursday March 17, 2022.
Richard Sellers
A protester that tied himself to the goal frame is ejected from the stadium by police during the Premier League match at Goodison Park, Liverpool. Picture date: Thursday March 17, 2022.
Richard Sellers
An Insulate Britain spokesman went on to criticise the Government’s policy on North Sea oil: "I want my government to do all that they can to stop this coming true but they are expanding oil and gas, making things worse. Increasing the risk.
"We know this because the International Energy Agency told us no new oil and gas from 2021.
"If governments are serious about this action on climate, we are calling on ordinary people to join thousands in mass civil resistance this spring.
"Hundred and hundreds of people of all ages have signed up to support the demands of no new oil and gas. Just stop oil. It's a no-brainer. First step to stop the harm."
The match had to be stopped while security attempted to remove him.
Mr McKechnie was eventually cut free using a pair of bolt cutters and was led from the ground, to boos from the crowd, by police.
Merseyside Police said the 21-year-old man had been arrested on suspicion of pitch encroachment.
Just Stop Oil were quick to claim responsibility for the stunt, issuing a statement via Facebook which read: “This evening, Louis, a 21-year-old supporter of Just Stop Oil, locked on to the goalpost at Goodison Park wearing a Just Stop Oil T-shirt, causing the referee to briefly stop play.”
The incident comes after an apparent attempt by the same group to disrupt Wednesday’s game between Arsenal and Liverpool but on that occasion a protester did not make it to the pitch.
