PICTURED: The moment BBC prankster was ARRESTED after joining Man City warm-up

Simon Brodkin hopped onto Goodison Park dressed as alter ego Jason Bent

Began stretching alongside City stars Joe Hart and Kolo Toure

Stewards finally alerted by coach David Platt and he was arrested

This is the moment BBC comedian Simon Brodkin somehow managed to get on the Goodison Park pitch and warm up with the Manchester City squad.

Players, including goalkeeper Joe Hart and Kolo Toure and assistant manager David Platt looked on in bemusement as Brodkin, whose is best known for his comic creation Lee Nelson, jogged along the touchline and did stretches.

In this instance, Brodkin was in the guise of footballer Jason Bent, a character from his BBC Three series Lee Nelson's Well Funny People, wearing an identical maroon tracksuit to the City players.

His presence alerted players, stewards and security staff and he was escorted off the pitch and later arrested.

Who's this? Man City goalkeeper Joe Hart points the finger as Jason Bent, a character creation of comedian Simon Brodkin, warms up with the squad before their match with Everton

Perplexed: City assistant David Platt looks on puzzled as the BBC comedian jogs along the touchline Get off! The japester, who was filming a prank for new BBC Three series, is hauled off the Goodison Park pitch by security officials







A spokesman for Merseyside Police said: 'We can confirm that a 35-year-old from London was arrested before the Everton v Manchester City game this afternoon. 'A man was arrested on suspicion of pitch encroachment after he went on to the pitch. 'He has been taken to a police station where he will be interviewed.' Play was held up in the corresponding fixture between the two sides last season when a man ran onto the field and handcuffed himself to a goalpost. The man had been protesting about Ryanair's recruitment policy after his daughter was denied a job by the airline. Everton won today's game 2-0. Bemusement: City players look on as 'Jason Bent' chases after a ball Stripping off: Brodkin was wearing the identical kit sported by City in the match with 'Bent 9' on the back Confronted: Samir Nasri looks on as Brodkin is chased down by security guards He emerged from the crowd with just under five minutes remaining until half-time and shackled himself to the frame of City keeper Joe Hart's goal. After a hold-up which resulted in five minutes of first-half stoppage time, he was released and led away by police.

No laughing matter: The TV funnyman was arrested by police (left) - and, right, as character Lee Nelson



Protest: A man handcuffed himself to the goalpost in the corresponding fixture last season

VIDEO: Simon Brodkin as professional footballer alter-ego Jason Bent



