Champions League: Police warn Liverpool fans against fireworks ahead of Manchester City UCL trip

Bengaluru, March 21: Liverpool fans have been cautioned not to let off flares and smoke bombs ahead of their Champions League quarter-final with Manchester City at Anfield. City will confront the Reds in the first leg of the UCL at Anfield on April 4 and a broadly-shared post via twitter has encouraged Liverpool fans to bring flares and banners, standards and bangers, pints and pyro to Anfield Road two hours prior kick-off.

The post did not originate from any specified club fan club. However, seeing the response of the post, the Manchester City board have expressed their worries to the Anfield authorities over the hostile welcome and now, Merseyside Police have claimed that any individual who utilises fireworks on the day of the game will be indicted.

Share share share #UpTheQuarterFinalReds pic.twitter.com/9qavfoSbKA

— The Redmen TV (@TheRedmenTV) March 18, 2018

Earlier in 2014, a City coach filled with fans had stones pelted towards them by Liverpool fans. Villarreal's team bus was also subjected to a hostile gathering in 2016 ahead of a Europa League semi-final last year at Anfield.

Liverpool were fined three times by UEFA for the utilisation of flares and firecrackers on their way to the Europa League final in 2016.

The Man City hierarchy understandably expressed their concern over the matter and the Merseyside authorities now have stated their strict stance on the subject.

Liverpool fans planning on "intimidating" the Man City team bus before the champions league tie at Anfield... Wouldn't worry about it City fans. We drove our bus straight on to the pitch the last two times we went there and their attack disappeared.

— Mark Goldbridge (@markgoldbridge) March 21, 2018

A statement released on Tuesday (March 20) regarding the situation read: "We are aware that fans have indicated they plan to gather ahead of the Champions League match to be played on 4 April 2018 between Liverpool and Manchester City.

"Merseyside Police will have a comprehensive policing operation in place, alongside Liverpool Football Club, in preparation for the fixture. As with any match, we have worked to ensure that this game can be enjoyed by all in a safe environment, as well as minimising any disruption on the roads. We will liaise with both clubs and their supporter groups to ensure the event is enjoyed safely by everyone.

"There will be additional officers on duty at the ground and we will have a city centre policing plan in place throughout the day, to further ensure that spectators and visitors to the city are kept safe and to smoothly facilitate the movements of those travelling to and from the game.

This is the last time Liverpool challenged Manchester City in a big occasion and they failed miserably.

PL 2013/14 Brief Review in 2 mins.

SO WATCH IT, DRINK IT IN!! pic.twitter.com/uWGpw7xu2T

— Sharukh Kalam (@sharukh_kalam) March 21, 2018

"While recognising that some supporters feel they can add to the atmosphere of the occasion, the use of flares and other pyrotechnics at and around football matches is a concern. We fully support the club in working to eradicate this dangerous and reckless practice and would ask that supporters work with us.

"The police and courts take these offences very seriously and prosecution can result in a prison sentence. I would remind people that this can apply not only within the stadium, but also in the surrounding streets and when attempting to enter the ground."