Merseyside Police are determined to prevent a repeat of the trouble that marred the last Anfield meeting between Liverpool and Manchester City when the teams play in the Premier League this weekend.
City’s team bus was pelted with bottles and cans ahead of their Champions League defeat to Jurgen Klopp’s side on April 4.
At least one window was smashed on the journey through streets that were filled with thousands of fans, a number throwing flares and smoke bombs, and a replacement vehicle had to be found for the trip home.
Two flares land on roof of @ManCity coach and continue to burn. Bus later had at least one window smashed and is unusable for the return journey pic.twitter.com/rTgVBujc3w
— Carl Markham (@carlmarkham) April 4, 2018
The teams renew their rivalry in a 4.30pm kick-off this Sunday, with City top of the domestic table heading into the weekend and Liverpool second.
Extra police will be on duty at the match, it was announced on Wednesday.
Superintendent Dave Charnock said: “As with any match, we have prepared a comprehensive and appropriate policing operation ahead of Sunday’s game and have liaised with both clubs and their supporter groups.
“This will ensure this game can be enjoyed safely by all as well as minimising any disruption to local residents and the roads, and everyone involved is working hard to ensure there is no repeat of the events that occurred outside Anfield before the Champions League fixture between the clubs in April.
“There will be additional officers on duty at the ground, both uniformed and plain clothed, and we will have a city centre policing plan in place throughout the day.”
The match coincides with the fourth and final day of the city’s Liverpool’s Dream event, which involves a parade of giant puppets, and the centre of Liverpool is expected to be busier than usual.
Superintendent Charnock added: “We have worked with the Giants event organisers and are deploying extra resources to ensure both match-goers and visitors to the city are kept safe and to smoothly facilitate the movements of those travelling to and from the game, as well as visitors attending the Giants event.”
