Liverpool fans use flares and smoke bombs despite warning in hostile reception for Man City team bus
Written by News on 04/04/2018
Liverpool fans have lit flares and used smoke bombs outside Anfield ahead of the Champions League quarter-final against Manchester City – despite being warned over possible prosecution.
The Merseyside club re-routed the team buses’ approach to the stadium amid safety concerns on Wednesday, after cautioning supporters earlier this week that the use of pyrotechnics outside the ground was potentially illegal.
Despite the changes, a throng of Liverpool supporters lined the streets, and smoke bombs were seen gushing clouds of red at around 5pm, before bottles and cans were thrown at the City team coach as it approached the ground, with flares also visible, some time after 6pm.
It is an offence for a person to enter or attempt to enter a football ground while in possession of a flare, smoke bomb or firework, and Football Supporters Federation guidelines claim fans have previously been given prison sentences for offences committed outside stadia.
In a warning statement on Tuesday, Liverpool said: “The police and courts take these offences very seriously and prosecution can result in a prison sentence.”
City had expressed concerns about the reception their coach would receive at the hands of Reds fans, who had planned to gather along Anfield Road to greet the two teams.
However, following discussions with the police, Liverpool re-routed the buses along Arkles Lane, which is a dual carriageway and much wider – although longer – than the usual route.
A Merseyside Police statement read: “Fans attending the Liverpool v Manchester City match on Wednesday are advised the team coaches are not taking their usual route past the King Harry pub.
“Due to building works and to ensure the safety of fans, they will instead travel along Arkles Lane, passing The Arkles pub before turning right onto Anfield Road.”
A Liverpool statement added: “Ensuring the health and safety of our fans and visitors is at the forefront of our all our procedures. The decision was therefore taken to redirect the team coaches via a new route following guidance from Merseyside Police.
“The club is working with the police and other key stakeholders to provide a safe environment for those supporters who wish to welcome the team ahead of the match against Manchester City. We have taken additional steps to make sure the area is as safe and secure as possible, whilst working with local residents to ensure that they remain unaffected by any potential fan activity.
“We ask that any supporters who do wish to gather to show their passion and support for the team, do so in a friendly, respectful and considerate manner.”
(c) Sky News 2018: Liverpool fans use flares and smoke bombs despite warning in hostile reception for Man City team bus
