Liverpool chief executive Billy Hogan has personally apologised to the family of a 15-year-old girl who was left 'scarred for life' after an incident during a recent match at Manchester City.
The Reds were knocked out of the Carabao Cup in a thrilling encounter at the Etihad earlier this month, losing 3-2 on the night.
But the game was marred by a number of reported incidents off the pitch - including a projectile from part of the away section that injured a teenage City supporter in the home end below.
In a post on social media yesterday, the girl's father said: "My 15-year-old daughter was hit by a weighted pint pot thrown from the 'LFC section' of fans.
"The pot 'smashed' on impact, she suffered a head injury and was 'glued' at the ground before being released later that evening. The incident occurred about 20 mins in, just after Liverpool's first equaliser. We think it was probably thrown from block 318 as we were directly below this block.
"We are meeting officials at Manchester City this week and are asking for any information that could help us identify the thrower. The police took statements, are keen to pursue and will press charges if we can identify the culprit."
In a private phone call with the girl's dad, Reds chief Hogan offered an 'unreserved' apology and spoke as a fellow father to discuss the incident and police investigation.
The girl's dad added in his message: "We have had a call from LFC directly (Billy Hogan) who apologised unreservedly on behalf of the club and I would like to stress they are as committed as we are to rooting this individual out of football and for them to face the consequences of their actions."
The dad's statement went on to say: "Please don't come at me with whataboutery. I completely condemn any incidents of violence from any football fans and any offensive chanting by fans of either side.
"She is a 15-year-old who was enjoying watching her team with the rest of her family and she is now scarred for life. I would like to thank the dozens of Liverpool fans who have contacted us so far with kind messages of support in finding the perpetrator and also all friends and contacts who have been in touch.
"I am a dad seeking justice for his injured daughter, that is all. All information gratefully received."
Despite calls ahead of the fixture from senior figures at both clubs urging more positive relations between fanbases, there were further issues.
A City supporter was ejected from the stadium over alleged abuse, which is understood to be of a racist nature, that was aimed at some of Liverpool's disabled following in Manchester.
In the wake of the tie, Liverpool and City released a joint statement: "Manchester City FC, Liverpool FC and the Chairs from our supporter groups have worked together in recent weeks to remind fans of our expectations and both clubs would like to thank the vast majority of fans for their behaviour at last night’s Carabao Cup match at the Etihad Stadium.
“It is however hugely disappointing that there were a number of incidents during last night’s match that are wholly unacceptable. These incidents will be fully investigated, reported to the police and the individuals who are found to be responsible will be subject to the sanction process of their respective club.
“Manchester City FC and Liverpool FC are fully committed to working together to eradicate these issues from our fixtures. They have no place in football.”
In a fresh appeal for information released today, Greater Manchester Police said: "On Thursday 22 December 2022, officers received reports of a young girl being wounded by a cup filled with coins at the Manchester City v Liverpool EFL game.
"It is believed the cup was thrown inside the Etihad Stadium at around 8:25pm from the upper tier down to the lower tier in the stadium, which subsequently hit and injured a 15-year-old girl causing a 1-inch laceration to her head.
"The girl was taken to hospital where she received medical attention. GMP are appealing to the public for further information to help us locate the person/people responsible for this malicious attack."
Superintendent Gareth Parking of GMP added: “We are continuing to investigate this incident and would urge those who attended the game who know who is responsible or could have any information to assist us further, to please come forward.
“You can report any information to us by calling 101 or report information online via our reporting tool on our website: www.gmp.police.uk quoting log 1880 of 22/12/2022.
“Alternatively, you can report information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
The day after the incident, the girl's father wrote on social media: "I’ve now spoken directly to senior people at LFC and Man City. They are determined to find the person who did this and I really appreciate everything both clubs are doing to identify the culprit and their comms with me have been exemplary. Someone, somewhere knows who did this."
Plenty of Liverpool fans have rallied round to send messages of support to the family, with one Red posting on Twitter: "Hiya mate, I'm a LFC fan and was there with my 12 year old. It's horrific what happened and hope she is OK and not put off from going again.
"I've got 2 season tickets together in our main stand and you are both welcome to have them for the LFC v City game next season."
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