Police Chief Inspector outlines discussions with Manchester City and Liverpool ahead of Anfield clash

Manchester City and Liverpool have held discussions with Merseyside Police ahead of the two sides’ meeting at Anfield on Sunday afternoon.

It is the latest instalment between two of England’s very best clubs and perhaps the finest two footballing sides the division has ever seen over a period as long as Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola have competed against one another.

It could also be the very final time that the two football managerial greats go head-to-head in domestic competition this season, barring a meeting in the Emirates FA Cup semi-final or final later this season.

However, the Liverpool against Manchester City fixture does not come without it’s off-the-field concerns from a policing perspective, with the two clubs having entered into discussions with Merseyside Police in recent days ahead of Sunday afternoon’s meeting.

Match commander for the meeting between the two Premier League title challengers, Chief Inspector Kevin Chatterton revealed that there will be ‘robust’ policing’ in place for the contest, following discussions between the two clubs.

“We have been working closely with the two football clubs and supporters’ groups for this Sunday’s match at Anfield,” explained Chatterton, as relayed by MailSport.

“As with every football match we have a robust policing in place. Any disorderly behaviour will not be tolerated, and we will take action to identify and bring to justice anyone found responsible for committing offensive and disorderly behaviour.”

Manchester City’s Carabao Cup third round meeting with Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium last season was marred by unwanted trouble in the stands, with a teenage girl seated in the home section fans struck on the head by a pint pot loaded with coins.

A UEFA Champions League quarter-final first-leg meeting back in 2018 also came and went with trouble, as Manchester City’s official team coach was damaged by Liverpool supporters upon it’s arrival at Anfield.

City’s bus route has already been publicised by regional police ahead of the trip to Anfield this weekend, however it has been insisted that officers will be placing an extra focus on that journey to the home of Jurgen Klopp’s side.