The “unacceptable” actions that marred the clubs’ EFL Cup match have been denounced by Manchester City and Liverpool, and the Greater Manchester Police (GMP) is looking into a number of events that occurred after the game on Thursday.
EFL Cup champions Liverpool were eliminated in the round of 16 at the Etihad Stadium as City won 3-2 in their first match following the World Cup thanks to goals from Erling Haaland, Riyad Mahrez, and Nathan Ake.
The two rivals issued a joint statement before the game in an effort to defuse growing hostilities between the teams.
Coins were thrown at City manager Pep Guardiola during their Premier League match in October, which Liverpool claimed a 1-0 victory. City supporters were also heard singing songs about the 1989 Hillsborough disaster, which resulted in the unjustified deaths of 97 Liverpool supporters.
A GMP statement on Friday stated that multiple events that happened on Thursday, including one in which a 15-year-old girl had head injuries, were under investigation.
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.
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“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.”
According to the statement, two males were detained on suspicion of attempting to bring fireworks into the stadium, while a third guy was detained for a racially aggravating public order offense.
After the game, a 53-year-old man was attacked in another incident, necessitating medical care.
The two clubs responded to the turmoil by pledging to eradicate such behavior and praised the behavior of the majority of fans.
A joint statement read: “Liverpool FC, Manchester City 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.
“Liverpool FC and Manchester City FC are fully committed to working together to eradicate these issues from our fixtures. They have no place in football.”
