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.
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.
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‘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’.
‘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.’
