An Everton supporter who called Liverpool fans 'murderers' before December's Merseyside derby has received a football banning order.

Stuart Watt was arrested by police as the 27-year-old made his way into Anfield late last year.

He had been drinking in the nearby Royal Oak pub before making the short trip to the ground as kick-off approached.

Police told Sefton Magistrates court that he had been 'loud and aggressive' and the Everton fans shouted 'murderers' at rival fans.

PC Sinclair said an arrest was made because he was "full of venom and hatred" towards Liverpool supporters.

Watt was found guilty of a Section 5 public order offence and is not allowed to attend any matches for three years.

The judge didn't believe Stuart Watt's version of events

He was ordered to not go within one mile of Goodison Park on matchdays and was fined £300 and ordered to pay £530 in costs.

Watt also pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine, which carried an additional £75 fine.

Prosecutor Daryl Pollard described the arrest, saying: "PC Sinclair heard Everton fans shouting murderers at the Liverpool fans. He could see a woman with a child close by and was worried. He wanted to keep the area safe.

"The officer was certain that Watt was doing the shouting. He saw the defendant shouting 'murderers'."

He added: "He grabbed the defendant and did not let him go. He pulled him from the crowd.

"The defendant looked venomous and full of hatred. The defendant had appeared to be encouraging other fans too."

Liverpool won the derby 1-0 in the last minute
But Watt wasn't there to see it after being arrested before the game

Watt denied calling the fans 'murderers' and witness Paul Bromilow, a friend on the accused, said: "We all met up in the Royal Oak pub before the game, and then made our way to the ground. I remember we were on Anfield Road, when a police van pulled up nearby. I kept walking, and then heard a commotion.

"I turned around and a police officer had Stuart by the throat. He had his hand around his throat."

Mr Bromilow said that he did not see Watt shouting at Liverpool fans.

But District Judge Margaret McCormack wasn't convinced about their version of events ahead of the derby, which Liverpool won 1-0.

"I do not find your account plausible," she told Watt. "You have been unable to explain why you were picked out."