UPDATE: Merseyside Police said 46-year-old John Joseph Foley, of Lord Street, Southport, has been charged with going on to the playing area during a football match - an offence under the Football Offences Act 1991.

A man was in police custody today after a Premier League match was brought to a standstill when a supporter handcuffed himself to a goalpost.

The pitch invasion forced the referee to halt play between Everton and Manchester City for around five minutes at Goodison Park.

The incident occurred shortly before 8.40pm yesterday, five minutes before the end of the first half, with the match goalless.

Both teams' managers used the pause to speak to their players as several Merseyside Police officers worked to remove the man from visiting goalkeeper Joe Hart's left-hand post.

The man, who wore a T-shirt, jeans and baseball cap, was eventually led away, and Everton went on to win the game 1-0.

In a statement, Everton said: "Bolt-cutters were used to remove the offender, who was roundly booed as he was escorted from the ground.

"It transpired that the supporter is a known professional protester, allegedly protesting about an airline's recruitment policy. He was arrested by Merseyside Police, who are now dealing with the matter."

Merseyside Police said a 46-year-old man from Southport was arrested for pitch invasion following the incident.

A spokesman added: "He has been taken to a police station, where he remains, to be questioned."