Merseyside Police will work with both Liverpool and Manchester City to address a string of concerning incidents which are alleged to have occurred during Sunday's fiery clash between the two teams at Anfield.
After losing the pulsating Premier League match 1-0, City boss Pep Guardiola accused home supporters near the dugout of throwing coins at him, while the Manchester club also alleged that their team bus was attacked when leaving the stadium. Meanwhile, Liverpool fans were subject to "vile" chants relating to the Heysel and Hillsborough disasters from the away section after full-time.
In a statement issued on Monday evening, Merseyside Police said: "We can confirm we are working closely with Liverpool and Manchester City football clubs to understand a number of reported incidents which took place at the match at Anfield yesterday, Sunday 16 October.
"We have been made aware that offensive and disorderly behaviour had taken place during the Liverpool V Manchester City game, including allegations of coin-throwing and offensive graffiti was sprayed in the away section. We have also been made aware of an allegation that a Manchester City team coach was damaged.
"However no incidents have been reported to us or that items were thrown at the coaches, and we are now working with MCFC to establish the circumstances of what happened and the allegation that damage was caused.
"Such behaviour will not be tolerated, and we are working with both clubs to identify and bring to justice anyone found responsible for committing offensive and disorderly behaviour."
After Liverpool pulled off a thrilling 1-0 win, Guardiola claimed that coins were thrown towards him and his coaching staff, sarcastically saying: "Next time we will do it better. It didn’t get me. They try it again next year. All these coins, they tried, but didn't get it. They got the coach years ago."
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Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp apologised after hearing about his fans' alleged behaviour. "Oh, horrible. I am sorry. I apologise for that. I had no idea about it," Klopp replied. "It never should happen, never."
A statement from the Reds confirmed: "We are aware of an incident involving objects being thrown into the technical area at today's game.This is totally unacceptable behaviour and not the standards of behaviour we expect at Anfield.
"This incident will be fully investigated using CCTV and those found guilty will be punished, including a lifetime ban from Anfield Stadium and a possible football banning order."
Liverpool also condemned the abhorrent chanting heard in away end, adding: "We are deeply disappointed to hear vile chants relating to football stadium tragedies from the away section during today's game at Anfield," the club said in a statement. "We know the impact such behaviour has on the families, survivors and all those associated with such disasters.
"We are working with the relevant authorities and we will also work with Manchester City in order to do our utmost to ensure these chants are eradicated from football altogether."
