Manchester City have hit out at a minority of their own supporters who disrupted a minute of silence for the Hillsborough disaster.
Liverpool and City attempted to pay tribute to the 97 people who lost their lives at Hillsborough in April 1989 ahead of their FA Cup semi-final at Wembley on Saturday afternoon. A small section of City supporters disrupted the minute silence that referee Michael Oliver had to cut short and the reigning Premier League champions have released a statement condemning their actions.
The club said: " Manchester City are extremely disappointed with the actions of some City supporters during the minute’s silence before today’s game. The club sincerely apologises to all those connected with Liverpool Football Club."
Pep Guardiola reiterated the club's stance, adding: "I think Manchester City made a statement. This is not Manchester City. We are close to Liverpool club for the tragedy that happened years ago. We are alongside them. After these guys singing (it) doesn't represent what we are."
Gary Lineker who was presenting the clash on BBC read out the statement at halftime with Liverpool 3-0 up over their rivals as the former Tottenham striker expressed his disappointment. He said: "One news item I want to read out before we move on, this match was meant to be preceded by a minute's silence for the 33rd anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster.
"This was cut short by referee Michael Oliver after persistent chants from the City end, which is obviously disappointing."
This comes a week after City launched an investigation into an incident showing two fans allegedly mocking the Hillsborough disaster during their 2-2 draw with Liverpool in the league.
Footage circulated on social media in the wake of the enthralling clash at Etihad which caught a pair of City supporters on camera seemingly making obscene gestures referencing Hillsborough in the direction of opposition fans. The Liverpool Echo claimed City officials looked into the incident and were taking the matter seriously.
The person who is believed to have initially shared the clip on Twitter said: "All for the footy banter and that but draw the line with Hillsborough".
The Reds are on course to seal a place in the final after a dominant first half at Wembley. Ibrahima Konate opened the scoring with a header before a Sadio Mane brace gave Jurgen Klopp's men a 3-0 lead at half time. Jack Grealish handed City a lifeline as Pep Guardiola's side made it 3-1 immediately after the break.
