Uefa charges Liverpool over attack on City’s bus

Liverpool have been charged by Uefa after Manchester City’s team bus was pelted with bottles and cans ahead of their Champions League defeat at Anfield.

Disciplinary proceedings regarding the setting-off of fireworks, throwing of objects, acts of damage and crowd disturbances will be dealt with by Uefa’s control, ethics and disciplinary board on May 31.

Despite the incidents taking place in streets surrounding Anfield, Article 16 of Uefa’s regulations about order and security at games states “host clubs and national associations are responsible for order and security both inside and around the stadium before, during and after matches”.

City coach Manel Estiarte posted footage from inside the team bus which shows numerous objects hitting the coach to highlight the “unacceptable” behaviour of fans.

At least one window was smashed on the journey through streets filled with thousands of fans, a number throwing flares and smoke bombs, and a replacement vehicle had to be found for the trip home after the 3-0 first-leg loss.

In footage obtained by Spanish television station Gol, manager Pep Guardiola appeared to be unhappy with arrangements for their arrival.

Getting off the bus in the area under the Main Stand the City boss gave the thumbs up to stewards and said sarcastically in Spanish “thanks for protecting us” and then “Shame”.

The focus will now inevitably shift to the Etihad Stadium next Tuesday, and the plans which are in place to avoid any repeat.

Liverpool, who issued a statement of apology on Wednesday, will not say whether they will take extra steps to ensure the safety of their coach and players, but it is understood they are likely to have talks on the matter before the match.

Arrangements for team arrivals at the Etihad Stadium are slightly different to other grounds, although both arrive on ‘protected’ routes.

The home coach pulls up outside the main reception for the players to receive an organised and staged blue carpet reception from supporters. The away bus arrives at a separate location some distance away from where home fans congregate and has a private entry into a tunnel under the stadium.