Liverpool condemn ‘unacceptable’ behaviour after Barcelona fountain incidents
Written by News on 01/05/2019
Liverpool are working with police to identify fans involved in an incident in Barcelona, after videos emerged showing people being pushed into a fountain.
The footage circulated on social media after fans gathered in the Placa Reial square on Tuesday ahead of Liverpool’s Champions League semi-final first leg at the Nou Camp.
One clip appeared to show a Liverpool fan direct a racial slur at a passer-by.
Sky Sports News understands no arrests have been made in relation to the incident but Liverpool are working with Merseyside police, part of the police presence in Barcelona, to identify those involved.
“Such behaviour is clearly totally unacceptable and will not be tolerated,” Liverpool said in a statement.
“It would be inappropriate to comment further while the situation is ongoing other than to confirm the club will follow due process in any and all cases of this nature.”
Merseyside police have confirmed six men were arrested by Spanish Police on Tuesday on suspicion of public order offences following an unrelated incident.
Superintendent Paul White warned Merseyside Police “can act on incidents using British Law and we will take action”.
He added: “This type of behaviour is wholly unacceptable and I want to remind fans who are travelling with tickets to monitor official fan advice on the club’s official website and social media feeds for information to assist their visit. Given the vigilance of police and security around the stadium, we would encourage fans to arrive in plenty of time.”
In a message posted on Twitter on Wednesday morning, Liverpool chief-executive Peter Moore said: “We proudly sing that we’ve conquered all of Europe. But let’s treat this beautiful city with the respect that it deserves, and act in a manner that is befitting of LFC.
“By all means have a good time, but we are Liverpool, and as such, let’s visit here with grace and humility.”
There was unrest in Barcelona throughout Tuesday evening, as Liverpool supporters accused Spanish police of acting heavy-handed after being moved on from areas they were drinking in.
On Tuesday, as thousands of fans began to arrive in the city for the Champions League semi-final first leg, Merseyside Police’s dedicated Twitter account for Liverpool fans tweeted the advice: “Eat, drink and enjoy all areas in the city centre. Respect monuments.”
(c) Sky News 2019: Liverpool condemn ‘unacceptable’ behaviour after Barcelona fountain incidents
