Manchester City, Liverpool, and Greater Manchester Police release statements following Carabao Cup clash

Statements from all of Manchester City, Liverpool, and Greater Manchester Police have all been released on Friday afternoon following the Carabao Cup fourth round tie at the Etihad Stadium on Thursday night.

It was Pep Guardiola’s side who came out on top in the clash, winning 3-2 after conceding their lead to the visitors on two separate occasions during an enthralling 90 minutes.

However, it now appears as though the incredible action on the field has been ruined by the behaviour of some supporters housed within the stadium, and perhaps more notably within the travelling away section of Liverpool fans.

In a joint statement released by Manchester City and Liverpool on Friday afternoon, both clubs have condemned the actions of supporters who were involved in incidents at the Etihad Stadium.

The statement reads: “Manchester City FC, Liverpool FC and the Chairs from our supporter groups have worked together in recent weeks to remind fans of our expectations and both clubs would like to thank the vast majority of fans for their behaviour at last night’s Carabao Cup match at the Etihad Stadium.”

“It is however hugely disappointing that there were a number of incidents during last night’s match that are wholly unacceptable. These incidents will be fully investigated, reported to the police and the individuals who are found to be responsible will be subject to the sanction process of their respective club.”

“Manchester City FC and Liverpool FC are fully committed to working together to eradicate these issues from our fixtures. They have no place in football.”

Greater Manchester Police – who will now lead an investigation into the various incidents at the clash between Manchester City and Liverpool – have also released their own statement, including words from the event’s match commander, Superintendent Gareth Parkin.

The statement from the police reads: “Greater Manchester Police is investigating a number of inceidents that occurred during and after the Manchester v Liverpool EFL Cup tie last night )22 December).”

“A 15 year-old girl was treated for head injuries at the match at the Etihad Stadium.”

“GMP’s match commander, Superintendent Gareth Parkin, said: ‘We are aware of a number of objects, including coins and a smoke bomb, that were thrown during the match. We will be investigating the incidents and reviewing CCTV from the night.

“‘Clearly throwing objects in a confined area can be dangerous, and have serious and sometimes devastating consequences – GMP sends it thoughts and wishes to the girl who was injured and wish her a speedy recovery.'”

Also included in the statement released by Greater Manchester Police, it is revealed that two men were arrested prior to the match on suspicion of trying to take a pyrotechnic into the stadium.

It is further highlighted that a male was arrested for a racially aggravated public order offence, with all three to be interviewed at a later date.

Furthermore, and finally, GMP state that a 53 year-old man was assaulted after the game at the junction of Ashton New Road and Alan Turing Way, and was treated at the scene and required hospital treatment.