UEFA, Merseyside Police to probe Manchester City bus attack
Europe's football governing body, UEFA, and the Merseyside Police both opened investigations on Thursday into the attack on Manchester City's team bus by Liverpool fans prior to Wednesday's Champions League tilt at Anfield.
UEFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against Liverpool for objects thrown at the bus, while local police have asked the public to submit footage of the incident that saw windows shattered on the team coach as it approached the stadium.
A statement from UEFA confirmed four charges against Liverpool for setting off fireworks, throwing of objects, acts of damage, and crowd disturbances. "The charges of acts of damage and crowd disturbances relate to incidents involving the Manchester City FC team bus. This case will be dealt with by the UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body on 31 May," the statement added, per Eurosport, meaning any decision will come upon completion of the Champions League.
City bus arrives at Anfield. A few cans, flares and bottles thrown at it. The smashed bottle (which you can see towards the end of the vid) nearly landed on my head, which would’ve served me right tbf pic.twitter.com/NgMep0LAhP
— Sam Lee (@Sammy_Goal) April 4, 2018
Related: Liverpool apologises to Manchester City over team bus damage
Liverpool released a statement prior to the 3-0 victory, apologising to Manchester City and its players and staff, while stating the club would cooperate with local authorities to find those responsible.
"This behaviour by a number of people who threw bottles, cans and pyrotechnics towards the bus is completely unacceptable and we will conduct enquiries to identify who was responsible and bring them to justice," Merseyside Police commander superintendent Paul White said, per BBC Sport.
No players were hurt but two police suffered injuries, and the bus was later deemed unsafe for use.