Ex-Shrewsbury Town star Joe at Hart of drama

A man was in police custody today after Everton's match against Manchester City was brought to a standstill when a supporter handcuffed himself to one of ex-Shrewsbury Town star Joe Hart's goalposts.

The pitch invasion forced the referee to halt the Premier League match for about five minutes at Goodison Park on Merseyside.

The incident happened shortly before 8.40pm yesterday, five minutes before the end of the first half, with the match goalless. Stewards raced over to the man, who spoke to City keeper Hart and Everton's Phil Neville, before bolt-cutters were brought on to free him.

Both teams' managers used the pause to speak to their players as Merseyside Police officers worked to remove the man from the left-hand post. The man, who wore a T-shirt, jeans and baseball cap, was led away, and Everton went on to win the game 1-0.

Sources said the man was a 'professional protester' who was upset at airline Ryanair's recruitment policy.

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."

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."