Liverpool & City issue statement condemning 'wholly unacceptable' incidents

Liverpool and Manchester City has issued a joint statement condemning the "wholly unacceptable" incidents that emerged from Thursday night's Carabao Cup at the Etihad Stadium.

Both clubs had asked for fans to respect the rivalry ahead of a 3-2 win for Pep Guardiola’s side.

The last few years have seen a number of unsavoury incidents occur between supporters, with the latest meeting at Anfield in October marred by offensive graffiti about Hillsborough being written in the away section and allegations of chanting about the 1989 disaster, in which 97 fans died.

City's also claimed coins had been thrown at their coaching staff, although a Liverpool investigation failed to find any evidence, and one of their buses was damaged on leaving Anfield.

Now both Premier League clubs have said that reported incidents from their latest clash will be investigated and reported to the police.

"Liverpool FC, Manchester City 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," the statement read.

"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.

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