The man who handcuffed himself to the goalpost during Tuesday nights premiership match between Everton and Manchester City is an anti-Ryanair campaigner.

John Foley, 46, stopped the game for around five minutes before the end of the first half at Goodison Park, much to the bewilderment of the players and the crowd.

The man, wore a jeans and baseball cap, along with a T-shirt that was emblazoned with anti-Ryanair slogans such as: "Europe's greatest training robbers. Ryanair. Lowest wages guaranteed. Stop. Recruitment scamming our children."

It is alleged the man's daughter was unfairly dismissal by Ryanair, but the claims have been denied by the company.

He was eventually led away after police used boltcutters to cut him free from the upright.

Mr Foley has since released a statement on his 'Ryanairdontcare Campaign' website saying he had staged a "peaceful protest last night at goodison park were Michael O'Leary was in attendance".

The statement also contained an apology to Everton FC, Manchester City, the game's stewards and "all fans except 'O'Leary the scammer' for any upset coursed [sic] by this protest..."

"John Foley has many Family and Friends who support Everton but he himself is a Liverpudlian. The issues of young people being recruitment scammed at Ryanair needs to be told..." the website said.

The site also quoted Mr Foley as saying: "Great win for Everton...Double headacke [sic] for O'Leary the exploiter of young people... 'Doomed to Fail' Michael..."

(DW)