UEFA Charge Liverpool Over Crowd Problems
Europe’s football governing body UEFA have charged Liverpool over the use of fireworks, throwing objects, acts of damage and crowd disturbances during the Champions League quarter-finals first leg clash with Manchester City on Wednesday.
Manchester City’s bus had its windows smashed as Liverpool fans threw objects at it as it was taking City players to Anfield for the match.
“The charges of acts of damage and crowd disturbances relate to incidents involving the Manchester City team bus,” a UEFA spokesperson told the media on Thursday.
According to the BBC, before the match, Merseyside Police had issued a statement saying the two team coaches would “not be taking their usual route” because of “building works and to ensure the safety of fans”.
Liverpool asked their supporters “to gather to show their passion and support for the team… in a friendly, respectful and considerate manner”.
UEFA will deal with the case on 31 May, five days after the Champions League final.
Liverpool took a big first-leg advantage in the all-English tie with a 3-0 win at a rocking Anfield.
Mohamed Salah opened scoring with his 38th goal in all competitions this season before Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Saido Mane completed the scoring.
All three goals came in the first half as Liverpool took a giant step towards the semi-finals.