Liverpool beach ball to be auctioned off

One of many beach balls to be thrown on to pitches following the incident

The beach ball that famously deflected Darren Bent’s shot into the Liverpool net against Sunderland is to be auctioned off for charity.

The controversial strike ended up being the only goal of the game at the Stadium of Light as Rafael Benitez’s side were beaten 1-0 on October 17.

The News of the World obtained the beach accessory and announced that it would be auctioned on eBay to raise money for the Alder Hey Imagine Appeal.

The auction will run until Saturday November 14 with the item already having racked up 24 bids.

The Alder Hey Imagine Appeal was launched in 2005 and supports the work of the Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, which cares for 250,000 patients every year.

It is the busiest children’s hospital in Europe and treats patients for everything from broken bones to more complex conditions such as cancer and congenital heart disease.

Fans can click here to place a bid.