Merseyside police are preparing for potential incidents ahead of Sunday’s match between Liverpool and Manchester City at Anfield.<\/p>\n
Law enforcement officers fear that home fans may target Enzo Maresca’s team bus, according to The Sun.<\/p>\n
According to the source, social media posts are urging fans to gather outside the stadium a few hours before kickoff to welcome City’s bus. <\/p>\n
The authors of the post encourage fans to bring flags, banners, pyrotechnics, flares, and beer.<\/p>\n
The Manchester City team bus has repeatedly been targeted by Liverpool supporters. The most serious incident occurred in 2018 before the Champions League quarter-final first leg, when the bus was pelted with bottles and bricks, sustaining significant damage and rendering it unable to take the team back to Manchester. No arrests were made at the time. Similar incidents were also recorded in 2014 and 2022.<\/p>\n
Police confirmed they are aware of the social media post and stated that an appropriate security plan will be in place for the match. In 2024, City’s bus was safely escorted to the stadium thanks to a changed route and police accompaniment.<\/p>\n
Liverpool told the BBC that preparations for the game are proceeding as normal. Ahead of every home match, the club collaborates with fans and law enforcement, and this time is no exception.<\/p>\n
As a reminder, this match will be the team’s first since an independent commission found the club guilty on all counts of violating the league’s financial rules. The Citizens have since appealed the decision regarding the financial breaches.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"