A Blackburn Rovers fan today revealed how he was 'kneecapped' by an airgun sniper as he travelled to see his side play against Liverpool FC.

Robert Whitehouse, 42, of Brook Street, Mill Hill, Blackburn, underwent surgery at Blackburn Royal Infirmary to remove the pellet which pierced the back of his leg and lodged behind his kneecap.

He said: "At first I thought I had been hit on the leg by a brick. It wasn't until I felt the blood trickle down my leg that I realised that I had been shot.

"My friends flagged down a passing ambulance and the paramedics confirmed that it was an airgun wound."

Robert, a fitter at East Lancashire Coach Builders, travelled to Anfield with three friends and was walking towards the ground when he was wounded.

He reported the incident to police at the stadium and insisted on seeing the game after doctors had tried in vain to remove the pellet.

He added: "They gave me a local anaesthetic and that numbed the pain but as soon as it wore off I was in agony.

"One of my friends had to drive me back to Blackburn. I was admitted to the Infirmary at 10.30pm on Saturday night and had my operation at 11.30am on Sunday.

"They let me out on Monday and the bandage was removed on Wednesday.

"It is still very painful and makes walking very difficult. I will not be able to work for at least a few days."

The season ticket holder follows Blackburn Rovers to away games whenever they are within easy travelling distance.

He added: "I might consider going to Anfield again but it would have to be a very important game."

Merseyside police are investigating the incident which occurred around noon on Saturday.

A spokesman said: "A wounding incident was reported to us shortly before the game against Blackburn Rovers.

"It is being investigated by officers from Walton Lane CID."

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