Liverpool implores fans to avoid bringing illegal flares to Man City clash

In an attempt to avoid further reprimand from UEFA following an attack on Manchester City's bus prior to the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final at home last week, Liverpool is calling on its supporters travelling to the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday to avoid bringing flares to the reverse fixture.

An announcement posted Monday on the club's official website reminds fans that such pyrotechnics are illegal and forbidden, and any use of them in Tuesday's second leg by Liverpool fans could subject them to increasingly severe punishment from Europe's governing body.

"The club has been charged by UEFA for Liverpool supporters using pyrotechnics during recent matches, which will result in sanctions being imposed and could lead to ticket allocations being reduced at future games," the club said.

"Any individual who is found taking these items into the stadium are liable to arrest."

UEFA announced Thursday it had levied four charges against the Merseyside club after its fans pelted City's team bus with flares, bottles, and other items, shattering windows on the coach and compelling Liverpool to issue a public apology and condemn those responsible.

Liverpool could face tougher punishment on May 31, when the UEFA Control, Ethics, and Disciplinary Body comes to a decision following an ongoing investigation into the incident.

Meanwhile, "a huge security operation," complete with extra stewards and increased police presence, is set to be instituted for the second leg Wednesday at the Etihad, according to James Ducker of The Telegraph. Fans intent on sitting in the home end will also need to have purchased a City ticket in the past in an effort to separate supporters of both clubs.

Liverpool leads 3-0 on aggregate after a commanding first-leg win at Anfield.