Liverpool and Manchester City have attempted to calm tension between the two teams ahead of a matchup next week. The clubs have a recent history of hostile incidents involving fans during games.
City boss Pep Guardiola previously made claims that Liverpool fans threw coins at him during their October match. The Reds recently closed their investigation into the allegations without charging any fans. City also said that their team bus was attacked as they departed Anfield following the game. This was the second time that the reigning Premier League champions made the claim. They also made similar suggestions during a 2018 Champions League matches up as well.
Liverpool and Manchester City meeting calms toxic tension
The Telegraph is reporting that senior officials from both sides recently met with fan groups to discuss the issue. Fans of each side were present. City Matters, the team’s elected fan community, represented the Sky Blues. Then, the Liverpool Supporters’ Board made an appearance.
The report suggests that while both sides acknowledged that the main culprits came from a small minority of people, they also agreed to revamp the atmosphere inside the stadiums. The meeting reached out to season ticket holders about the situation. They also organized certain activities before the match for more control.
Fan representatives issue joint statement
A joint statement between the two fan groups emerged, as well. “Over the past five or six seasons, our matches have been some of the most entertaining in the world,” read the statement.
“However, we can’t ignore the recent poor behavior from a small number of fans on both sides, which has often overshadowed the results and the quality of football on show.“
“That’s why we were pleased to sit down with both clubs to improve relations and make commitments to working together to improve fan behavior at future matches.”
The latest installment of the rivalry will take place in Manchester on Thursday, December 22nd. While not a Premier League or Champions League match, the game will determine who advances to the Carabao Cup quarterfinals.
PHOTO: IMAGO / Paul Marriott
