Celtic fan arrested after throwing burger at police horse prior to Manchester City Champions League draw

A 27-year-old man was detained after the burger was thrown at a horse named 'Lancaster'

Celtic supporters lift scarves at Celtic Park (Getty)

A Celtic fan was arrested before his side’s Champions League meeting with Manchester City for throwing a hamburger at a police horse.

The 27-year-old supporter was detained after a burger was hurled at a horse named ‘Lancaster’ prior to the 1-1 draw at the Etihad Stadium.

A tweet by Greater Manchester Police’s Twitter account reporting the arrest was widely shared on social media.

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said: “At around 4pm on Tuesday 6 December 2016, a 27-year-old man was arrested in Piccadilly Gardens on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly.

“This was following an incident where a burger was thrown at a police horse taking part in the match day operation ahead of the Manchester City v Celtic match at the Etihad.”

City, meanwhile, could face fresh sanctions from Uefa, European football's governing body, after crowd trouble broke out in the stands during the match.

A group of supporters in the home section closest to Celtic's travelling support began fighting in the 73rd minute.

A total of 14 arrests were made during the match day policing operation, with GMP praising the behaviour of both sets of fans “for the large part”.

Offences against police animals can be prosecuted under the Criminal Damage Act 1971 or the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

In 2013, a Newcastle United supporter was handed a 12-month prison sentence and banned from football for six years after punching a police horse.