How totally stupid can one be let alone two people

Kathy · February 19, 2006

19 February 2006

EXCLUSIVE: OFF THEIR REDS

EXCLUSIVE Man U's Rio & O'Shea get police escort at Liverpool grudge game as they try to sneak in wearing HOODIES FA CUP SPECIAL SEE SPORT

By John Kelly

MANCHESTER United stars Rio Ferdinand and John O'Shea had to be rescued by riot police yesterday after trying to sneak into their team's FA Cup clash at Anfield - surrounded by Liverpool fans.

The pair were almost lynched by an angry mob when they tried to slip in undetected for the fifth-round clash with deadly rivals Liverpool.

Ferdinand and O'Shea donned hoodie tops in an effort to disguise themselves as they walked towards the ground amid thousands of fans. But they were exposed when police on crowd duty demanded they pulled their tops down to show their faces. A fight broke out close by as hundreds of Merseyside supporters spotted the players and surged towards them.

One onlooker said: "It was a suicidal thing to do given the traditional hatred between the two clubs.

"The police were telling anyone in a hoodie to show their faces but Rio obviously didn't want to because he knew what would happen."

O'Shea pulled down his hood and told a policeman: "But we're players, mate."

The fan added: "By then, Rio had pulled his down as well and the police were obviously shocked. They knew they had to do something quickly as it was getting very nasty.

"The Liverpool fans couldn't believe they could do something so stupid."

Mounted police surrounded the Old Trafford stars and officers demanded a steward open a gate to let them in.

Officials believe the players - both out through injury - were on their way to collect complimentary tickets.

Liverpool went on to beat United 1-0.

DonRafa · February 19, 2006