Man City and Liverpool issue warning to supporters over ‘unacceptable behaviour’

Manchester City and Liverpool have warned supporters of a zero-tolerance attitude towards ‘unacceptable behaviour’ at Thursday’s game in an attempt to quell toxicity between the fan bases.

The rivals meet in the Carabao Cup fourth round, two months after a tempestuous affair at Anfield that saw tensions further escalate and relations hit an all-time low.

Allegations of coin throwing at Pep Guardiola, offensive chanting and graffiti regarding the Hillsborough disaster and a claim of an attack on City’s coach marred Liverpool’s 1-0 Premier League victory.

Pep Guardiola claimed he was targeted by coins when City lost at Anfield in October. City said their team bus was also attacked

City fans were accused of trashing the Anfield away end and singing Hillsborough chants

City were also incensed by comments made about finances from Jurgen Klopp in the build-up to the fixture, but executives from both clubs have since met to hold peace talks alongside fan representatives.

In a message sent to season ticket holders and supporters with memberships this morning (TUES), the clubs vowed to issue ‘bans to those found to be responsible’ of disorder.

City’s chief executive Ferran Soriano and his Liverpool counterpart, Billy Hogan, signed the letter as the two giants bid to repair the damage of unseemly encounters in recent seasons.

The rivalry between the clubs has led to an increasing level of friction in recent years

Jurgen Klopp had been accused of inflaming tensions between the two clubs before the ill-tempered clash in October

‘The passion and enthusiasm that we see from our fans when we play each other – at the Etihad Stadium or Anfield – is part of what makes matches between our clubs so special,’ the letter read.

‘We know you are committed to creating a stadium environment where everyone is welcomed, accepted and has a fantastic matchday experience.’

‘Regrettably, based on recent meetings between our clubs, we also know that a minority of fans are responsible for behaviours and actions that have no place in our game.

‘We are therefore writing to ask for your full support in tackling these behaviours and to ensure that both of our clubs’ good names are preserved.’

Supporters have been urged to report ‘actions that cause harm,’ citing ‘inappropriate gestures, chanting, throwing of objects, as well as any and all forms of discrimination’.

There were also allegations that Man City’s bus was attacked by Liverpool supporters in October

City’s bus has previously been targeted, with Liverpool fans throwing bottles and cans ahead of a Champions League tie back in April 2018

‘It is important for everyone to be aware that we are fully committed to dealing with unacceptable behaviours and will take action by issuing bans to those found to be responsible,’ the clubs added.

‘We have engaged the Chairs from both our respective fan groups in our discussions and have their full backing to help create the right environment for our matches.

‘We appreciate that some fans may not be aware of the impact of their behaviours on other fans, both inside and outside the stadium, and we will continue to work with our fans on this education.’