Merseyside Police will deploy surveillance teams to monitor Manchester City’s arrival at Anfield.
Following a spate of recent incidents – the latest of which saw Manchester United’s team bus struck by a hurled bottle of cider – the force have decided to place specially-trained officers at various points on the route Pep Guardiola and his players will take to Liverpool’s ground for Sunday’s Premier League showdown.
The hope is that the presence of the units, who have the ability to covertly film events, will deter anyone from launching missiles at City’s bus ahead of the 3.45pm kick-off.
It is thought that this is the first time such surveillance teams will be utilised.
Merseyside Police will place surveillance teams along the route Manchester City’s team bus will take to Anfield on Sunday after Liverpool fan attacked it in 2018 and 2022
City’s coach was pelted with missiles by Liverpool fans ahead of their Champions League clash in April of 2018
Merseyside Police will place extra focus on Manchester City’s bus route into Anfield
Tensions have risen between fans of both clubs as they have become Premier League title rivals in recent years.
City’s bus has been targeted at recent matches while Liverpool’s allocation was cut at the Etihad after a series of incidents.
Chief Inspector Iain Wyke, match commander on the day, said: ‘As with any match, a comprehensive and proportionate policing operation has been put in place ahead of Sunday’s game and we have liaised with both clubs and their supporter groups.
‘We are working to ensure this game can be enjoyed safely by all, whilst at the same time minimising any disruption to local residents and on the roads.
‘As with all Premier League fixtures at Anfield, we will have officers on duty at the ground and the surrounding area, both uniformed and plain clothed, supported by CCTV, the Dog Section, mounted police and other specialist resources.
‘We will also have a city centre policing plan in place throughout the day.
‘Our policing style will be firm, fair and friendly, but officers will not tolerate any tragedy chanting, which became an offence under legislation last year, the throwing of missiles or the use of pyrotechnics inside or outside of the stadium.
‘While recognising that some supporters feel the use of pyrotechnics add to the atmosphere of the occasion, the use of flares and other pyrotechnics at and around football matches is a concern and is extremely dangerous and reckless practice, so we would supporters to work with us and refrain from using any pyrotechnics.
City said the windscreen of their team bus had been damaged by missiles thrown in 2022
Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola pictured looking friendly on the touchline, but recent meetings between the two north-west rivals have bubbled over on and off the pitch
‘The police and courts take these offences extremely seriously and prosecution can result in a prison sentence.’
He added: ‘Merseyside Police is committed to ensuring that everyone involved and attending the game has a safe and enjoyable experience and we will not tolerate any criminal, or anti-social behaviour.
‘As usual we would ask fans with tickets to arrive at the ground as early as possible. Fans without tickets should not attend at all; they will not be allowed entry into the stadium.’
