- Liverpool fans created a hostile atmosphere before Wednesday’s European clash
- Supporters set off flares to welcome team buses to Anfield for the quarter-final
- Manchester City had earlier raised concerns about a possibly hostile welcome
Liverpool fans let off flares as they created a hostile atmosphere outside of Anfield to set the tone for Wednesday night’s Champions League battle with Manchester City.
Supporters gathered more than two-and-a-half hours before kick off in the evening’s quarter-final first leg to ensure they were in place to greet the arrival of the team buses amid a backdrop of red smoke.
Lining the streets to welcome the team coaches has become common practice at Liverpool, especially on European nights, and fans were determined to maintain the tradition despite the club issuing a statement urging them to remain respectful.
Liverpool fans near Anfield around two-and-a-half hours before game against Manchester City
The statement read: ‘Ensuring the health and safety of our fans and visitors is at the forefront of our all our procedures. The decision was therefore taken to redirect the team coaches via a new route following guidance from Merseyside Police.
‘The club is working with the police and other key stakeholders to provide a safe environment for those supporters who wish to welcome the team ahead of the match against Manchester City.
‘We have taken additional steps to make sure the area is as safe and secure as possible, whilst working with local residents to ensure that they remain unaffected by any potential fan activity.
‘We ask that any supporters who do wish to gather to show their passion and support for the team, do so in a friendly, respectful and considerate manner.
A group of Liverpool fans had planned a hostile reception for City players, which led the Manchester club to express ‘serious concerns’ to police.
Pep Guardiola had plenty of footballing concerns to occupy his mind as he prepared to take on Jurgen Klopp for the 13th time in his managerial career.
Klopp had defeated Guardiola six times in their first 12 meetings, including when Liverpool last played City — beating them 4-3 at Anfield in January.
Speaking in the build-up to Wednesday’s game, Guardiola said: ‘I would love to think that we are going to do something in this competition.
‘You have to feel you are favourites. You have to feel you can do it. If you don’t, you’ve got no chance.’
Fans set off flares to create a sea of red smoke ahead of the Champions League quarter-final
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