Man Utd coach attack by Liverpool fans to prompt policy rethink by police

475     0
The Man United team bus arriving at Anfield (Image: AFP via Getty Images)
The Man United team bus arriving at Anfield (Image: AFP via Getty Images)

Merseyside Police may be forced to rethink their policy over kick-off times at Anfield following the latest coach attack by Liverpool fans.

Manchester United's team vehicle was damaged by a bottle thrown by supporters outside the ground when Erik ten Hag's squad arrived for last weekend's goalless draw, which was given the green light to start at 4.30pm despite the potential for trouble.

A window on the top deck of the bus was smashed - and Liverpool moved quickly to condemn the incident. Manchester City and Real Madrid have also had problems with missile attacks from Liverpool fans, who have a tradition of arranging "coach welcomes" ahead of the club's biggest games.

Both of those incidents came before midweek Champions League ties. So there was some surprise inside the game when local police gave the go-ahead for the Premier League's most explosive fixture to kick off late on a Sunday afternoon.

Sky Sports asked for the game to be given the 4.30pm slot to maximise their TV audience. But most police forces tend to insist that high-risk games are given an earlier slot if the potential for trouble can be compounded further by giving fans more time to drink.

Marcel Sabitzer completes Man Utd transfer after last-minute deadline day dash eiqtiziqdzinvMarcel Sabitzer completes Man Utd transfer after last-minute deadline day dash

The FA, Premier League and EFL felt obliged to remind fans of the need for good behaviour ahead of the busy festive programme. It said: "As we go into the busy festive period of football matches when, traditionally, many families and friends will come together to enjoy the game, the FA, Premier League and EFL are calling on supporters to act responsibly when attending fixtures.

"Following incidents at recent fixtures, fans are reminded to show their support in a positive way to ensure football matches are safe and enjoyable for all."

Simon Mullock

Football fans, Liverpool FC, Manchester United FC, Premier League, Merseyside Police

Read more similar news:

01.02.2023, 00:56 • Sport
Man Utd deadline day live updates as Sabitzer completes loan move
01.02.2023, 04:00 • Sport
Ten Hag has dream Man Utd line up as last-gasp January transfers are secured
01.02.2023, 05:30 • Sport
Man Utd finally listen to Ralf Rangnick after ignoring his six-man transfer plan
01.02.2023, 05:45 • Sport
Man Utd lose seven players and sign three as January transfer window closes
01.02.2023, 06:00 • Sport
Man Utd's January transfer window winners and losers as 'new Scholes' makes exit
01.02.2023, 06:47 • Sport
Marcel Sabitzer opens up on frantic deadline day dash to join Man Utd
01.02.2023, 07:30 • Sport
New Man Utd signing Marcel Sabitzer had trial so bad his agent "apologised"
01.02.2023, 07:36 • Sport
Rio Ferdinand delivers verdict on Marcel Sabitzer transfer with no hesitation
01.02.2023, 08:00 • Sport
Man Utd predicted line-up vs Nottingham Forest as Ten Hag eyes Carabao Cup final
01.02.2023, 09:26 • Sport
Full list of Premier League's biggest transfers as Enzo Fernandez smashes record