A 15-year-old girl required medical treatment after being hit by a bottle thrown from the away section at Manchester City's home fixture vs Liverpool on Thursday night.
City and Liverpool have issued a joint statement condemning disorder at the game, and launched an investigation after a large number of missiles were thrown from Liverpool fans in the third tier of the Sout Stand at the Etihad Stadium, to the City fans in the first and second tiers below.
Among the objects was a small bottle, which hit a 15-year-old girl, requiring the supporter to be treated by medical staff. Greater Manchester Police say coins and a smoke bomb were also thrown.
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Both City and Liverpool had moved to calm tensions between the clubs in recent weeks, holding high-level talks to improve relations and a letter was sent to all supporters on both sides asking for help to report incidences of 'unacceptable behaviour.'
The two clubs have come together once more to vow that any supporter found responsible for the throwing of objects on Thursday will be sanctioned and banned by their club.
The statement reads: "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."
GMP confirmed there were three arrests at the game, while another man was assaulted at the junction of Ashton New Road and Alan Turing Way, requiring hospital treatment. A police investigation has been launched into the incidents, including the throwing of objects into the home end.
The GMP statement says: "Greater Manchester Police is investigating a number of incidents that occurred during and after the Manchester City v Liverpool EFL Cup tie last night (22 December)
"A 15-year-old girl was treated for head injuries at the match at Etihad Stadium.
"GMP's match commander, Superintendent Gareth Parkin, said: 'We are aware of a number of objects, including coins and a smoke bomb, that were thrown during the match. We will be investigating the incidents and reviewing CCTV from the night.
"'Clearly throwing objects in a confined area can be dangerous, and have serious and sometimes devastating consequences - GMP sends its thoughts and wishes to the girl who was injured and wish her a speedy recovery.'
"Two men were arrested on suspicion of trying to take a pyrotechnic into the ground and a male arrested for a racially aggravated public order offence. All three will be interviewed at a later date.
"A 53-year-old man was also assaulted after the game at the junction of Ashton New Road and Alan Turing Way. He was treated at the scene and required hospital treatment."
Reports have also claimed that disabled Liverpool supporters were subjected to racial abuse during the fixture, with a City supporter arrested and an investigation launched.
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