City snub Kop’s cash for attack
MANCHESTER CITY have refused Liverpool’s offer to pay for the damage inflicted on their team bus by missile-throwing fans last season.
Sunday Mirror Sport understands Liverpool were ready to pick up a bill that ran well into five figures after City’s vehicle came under attack when their players travelled to Anfield for a Champions League tie last April.
City – who go back to Anfield in the Premier League on October 7 – felt that not enough had been done to prevent supporters from throwing bottles, stones and fireworks at the bus.
They had made it clear to the authorities in the weeks before the game they were worried for the safety of players and coaching staff following threats.
Film footage also showed Liverpool club stewards directing supporters to an area of the ground where the team coach would be arriving.
Windows were smashed and the coach roof was damaged so badly by exploding fireworks that a replacement vehicle had to be sent to take Pep Guardiola’s team home after the game.
But City decided to snub Liverpool’s offer to pay for repairs. The Reds were fined £17,500 by UEFA for the incident ahead their 3-0 win..
Merseyside Police announced they are winding down their investigation after failing to make a single arrest over the incident despite having hundreds of hours of CCTV evidence at their disposal.
The failure of police and stewards to secure the area outside Anfield where opposing teams arrive has now left City with serious concerns.
They will seek police assurances there will be no repeat of the attack at next month’s fixture.