POLICE have deflated United fans' hopes of having a ball at Anfield on Sunday.

The table-topping Reds go into the clash with confidence high, while Liverpool are in crisis after four defeats on the bounce.

But the city famous for producing Jimmy Tarbuck and Ken Dodd won't be allowing any humour at their expense after banning beach balls from the ground.

The unprecedented ban on inflatables follows Liverpool's defeat last weekend at Sunderland to a freak goal caused by a beach ball on the pitch.

It deflected Darren Bent's shot past baffled goalie Pepe Reina.

Replicas have since become a must-have for rival fans, particularly those at this end of the East Lancs Road hoping to raise a smile at the expense of Liverpool fans.

Liverpool FC's online store quickly sold out of their £10 "beach sets" and today the novelty balls were priced at more than £40 on eBay.

The price hike sparked rumours that United supporters have bought them to flood the Anfield pitch during the game.

Club stewards and police will search fans as usual at Anfield, and confiscate beach balls and other inflatable items.

A Liverpool FC spokesman said: "Any inflatable items will be confiscated at the point of search, whether inside or outside the stadium."

A spokeswoman for Merseyside Police said that there will be no special searches for beach balls, but any found will be confiscated by match day officers.

The balloon controversy has dominated banter among fans nationwide and one mischievous graffiti artist even sprayed on a Betfair billboard advertising bets on the game in Salford: "No Beach Balls", while Salford bookie Fred Done has cheekily offered odds of 1-2 that a beach ball finds its way on to the pitch.