ANFIELD AMBUSH
Thugs shower City team coach with missiles and flares
These were the shocking scenes that greeted Manchester City as they arrived at Anfield last night, forcing Liverpool to make a grovelling apology after supporters smashed up the visitors’ team coach.
City’s fears that their coach would be targeted on the approach to Anfield proved well-founded as it was bombarded with bottles, cans, and pyrotechnics when it became stuck in a bottleneck on Arkles Lane where it turns on to Anfield Road.
The coach continued to be pelted with objects as it crawled through plumes of red smoke, injuring two police officers. No passengers were hurt but the front window and driver’s door were smashed. City y were enraged about the behaviour and hope those who inflicted the damage can be caught and prosecuted.
UeFA took photographic evidence when the bus was parked inside the stadium.
Liverpool said in a statement: ‘The club condemns in the strongest possible terms the scenes which preceded our Champions League quarter-final, which resulted in damage being inflicted on the Manchester City team bus.
‘ We apologise unreservedly to Pep Guardiola, his players, staff and officials caught up in the incident. The club will co- operate fully with the authorities to identify those responsible.’
Klopp added on BT sport: ‘I really don’t understand. There was a lot of talks before. We tried everything to avoid a situation like that. so, yes, for Liverpool FC I have to say sorry.’
The team coaches were diverted from their usual matchday journey because of building work and safety fears, with Merseyside Police releasing a statement about the new route, which was republished on Liverpool’s website yesterday morning.
City boss Guardiola said on BT sport: ‘I thought police could know (what to expect here). Fortunately, nothing happened to our players, they are healthy.’
Merseyside Police match commander, superintendent Paul White, said: ‘Injuries were caused to two of our officers when projectiles were thrown towards the bus.
‘This behaviour by a number of people who threw bottles, cans and pyrotechnics towards the bus is completely unacceptable and we will conduct enquiries to identify who was responsible and bring them to justice.
‘It is disappointing to see that a number of people behaved in this appalling way.’
City will talk to police over Anfield hostilities exclusive By mike keegan Sportsmail’s story on March 20