Manchester City have strongly condemned the actions of those who allegedly threw an object towards Liverpool’s bus in a residential area following Saturday afternoon’s Premier League game, damaging the vehicle as a result.
The club, who won the match 4-1, described the alleged incident as “totally unacceptable” and said it would support Greater Manchester Police in any investigations.
This comes after the club had earlier released a separate statement criticising those who directed ‘always the victim, it’s never your fault’ chants at visiting supporters, a chant that has associations with the 1989 Hillsborough disaster which killed 97 Liverpool fans.
READ MORE: Man City issue statement in relation to chants
A statement from Manchester City released at 5.30pm on Saturday (April 1) said: “Manchester City FC has been made aware that Liverpool FC’s coach sustained damage on its return journey following today’s game.
“We understand an object was thrown towards the coach in a residential area. Incidents of this kind are totally unacceptable, and we strongly condemn the actions of the individual(s) responsible.
“We will fully support Greater Manchester Police’s investigation into this incident in any way we can. Additionally, the Club is disappointed to have heard inappropriate chants from home fans during the game today.
“We regret any offence these chants may have caused and will continue to work with supporter groups and officials from both clubs to eradicate hateful chanting from this fixture.”
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police told the Manchester Evening News: “Following today's Premier League fixture between Manchester City and Liverpool, GMP received reports of criminal damage to Liverpool FC Player's coach.
“It is reported the incident took place at approximately 3.40pm on Ashton New Road close to the junction of Rowsley Street. There were no reports of any injuries and the Liverpool Club coaches were able to continue with their journey.
“An investigation has now been launched by Greater Manchester Police to identify and locate the offenders.”
Regarding the aforementioned chants, a spokesperson for the Premier League said: “The Premier League condemns the chanting heard during today’s match between Manchester City and Liverpool.
“The League is treating the issue of tragedy chanting as a priority and as a matter of urgency.”
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