MI5 'attempted to use Liverpool Tannoy system' to recruit dissident Irish republican

UK security service MI5 allegedly attempted to recruit an Irish dissident republican figure using Liverpool's matchday speaker system during the recent Premier League fixture against Aston Villa.

That's according to shock new claims from a political group in Ireland.

The incident is said to have occurred towards the conclusion of the Reds' 2-0 victory at Anfield. It's alleged the supporter was asked through the stadium's public announcement Tannoy system to make contact with matchday stewards - interpreted as a coded approach from MI5.

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But the sequence of events allegedly began much earlier at Manchester Airport, where it's been claimed thatt the supporter, who was travelling with his son for the Liverpool game, was initially questioned by security services.

MI5 airport approach

"Upon arrival [he] was apprehended by British crown forces who took the republican for questioning," a statement from dissident republican organisation Saoradh in the Sunday World says.

"When the British crown forces had finished as they exited the questioning room two MI5 agents entered. The ruthless agents offered this individual a substantial sum of money and a further amount to spend at the football game, also a mobile telephone with a sim card and number to contact these British crown interrogators in return for answering their questions."

According to the statement, the individual refused to cooperate: "The republican dismissed their offer and demanded to go on about his business with his son. After a lengthy period the MI5 agents eventually released the republican to be able to attend the match with their son."

Anfield request ignored

The alleged recruitment attempt didn't end there. "Towards the end of the game there was an announcement over Anfield football stadium Tannoy – this individual knew straight away this was another attempt to approach him, he ignored this request."

Saoradh claims the approaches continued even after the match, with another alleged attempt made at Manchester Airport by "MI5 agents in public who were dressed in suits."

The statement adds: "At this point the republican raised his voice to alert those around them of this harassment and the pair walked away but not before warning they would make further attempts."

Liverpool FC have been contacted for comment.

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