In the confined space of the away end at a football ground, with fans forced to welcome strangers into their personal space for 90 minutes, hygiene can be key.

But one Hoffenheim fan took that to the extreme on Wednesday night as he watched his side crash out of the Champions League against Liverpool at Anfield.

Stood at the front of the section, the German supporter could be seen brushing his teeth before the match kicked off.

Whether a bizarre pre-match ritual, or the result of a quick dash from his Merseyside hotel, none of the other fans seemed bothered as he got rid of the remnants of his dinner.

The extra scrubbing may have brightened his smile, but it would have failed to the same to his mood as the hosts burst into a three-goal lead after just 21 minutes.

Emre Can scored twice and Mohamed Salah netted his first goal at Anfield for his new club as Liverpool blitzed their opponents to silence the away end.

Mark Uth did provide them with some cheer with a goal before the break, but Roberto Firmino added a fourth.

Sandro Wagner grabbed a second goal, but it proved purely a consolation as the Bundesliga side were consigned to the Europa League.

Supporters will be hoping the only pasting they see there are in the terraces.

By Mail Sport