We’ll stop reprisal bus attack
MANCHESTER CITY and the police have stepped up security tonight to ensure there are no reprisal attacks on the Liverpool team coach.
City’s bus was damaged by missiles thrown as it approached Anfield for last week’s first leg. A replacement coach had to be laid on and UEFA have charged Liverpool over the behaviour of their fans.
Police motorcyclists will guide the visitors’ bus into the Etihad by a ‘back-door’ route and it will go straight into an underground car park beneath the main stand via a service tunnel.
City officials are confident their supporters, who have no history of causing trouble, will not seek reprisals. The road lay-out around the stadium is different to the back streets around Anfield, making it more difficult for the crowd build-up to slow the bus.
Even so, more stewards and police will be on duty around the Etihad as well as in the city centre to ensure there is no trouble between rival fans.
Tonight’s match commander, Chief Insp Dean Howard, said: “We will continue to work with both clubs and supporter groups to ensure all fans can enjoy the match in a competitive but safe environment.”
Pep Guardiola is convinced the City fans will behave. “It has never happened once since I have been here,” he said. “For our fans it is just a football game.”
Liverpool have warned their fans of the “serious consequences” they face if they are caught with flares, smoke bombs and fireworks inside the stadium. Amnesty bins will be provided outside.