- Manchester City host Liverpool in the Premier League on Saturday lunchtime
- Recent games have seen disturbing levels of violence between the two fanbases
- It’s the world against Everton – it can galvanise the players to stay up – IAKO
Manchester City and Liverpool have written to their supporters to urge them to behave themselves at this weekend’s fixture between the two rivals.
Both sides face off at the Etihad Stadium in a match that kicks-off at 12.30pm after police – concerned over trouble – refused permission for it to start at 5.30pm.
And, in a further move, Mail Sport understands that officials have now been in touch with supporters who have tickets ahead of the match.
Liverpool have referenced missile throwing, while City have highlighted tragedy chanting, with both messages warning fans that action will be taken against those found to have misbehaved.
Games between the two clubs have been marred by issues in what is a growing rivalry that has, in recent times, turned toxic.
Manchester City and Liverpool have written to their fans to deter them from any violence when the two clubs meet in the Premier League at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday lunchtime
There were plenty of crowd disturbances during last December’s Carabao Cup tie at the Etihad
During the tie 15-year-old girl was left ‘scarred for life’ after a pint cup weighted with coins was thrown from the Liverpool section onto home fans
The match will be televised. Mail Sport previously revealed Sky bosses had eyed the prime-time 5.30pm slot.
However, the local safety advisory group – which includes the police – were not expected to give permission and so it was brought forward to the 12.30pm slot after an agreement was reached with TNT Sports, who usually show the earlier game.
Liverpool’s allocation was cut for last season’s match at the Etihad from 3,000 to 2,400. This time, there has again been a reduction, but to a lesser extent. The original move was made in the wake of a number of incidents of trouble which included a 15-year-old girl being left ‘scarred for life’, when she was struck by a pot filled with coins that had been hurled from the visitors’ section at a December Carabao Cup clash.
More than 50 reports of missiles being launched from the away end were made at that fixture, while a City fan was ejected and arrested after being accused of abusing disabled Liverpool supporters.
Earlier last season, Pep Guardiola claimed he was targeted by coins when City lost at Anfield, and City said their team bus was also attacked, with damage to the windscreen pictured (right)
At the same tie, City fans were accused of trashing the Anfield away end and singing Hillsborough chants
Olivia Martin is a dedicated sports journalist based in the UK. With a passion for various athletic disciplines, she covers everything from major league championships to local sports events, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis.
