Merseyside Police release statement ahead of Liverpool vs Man City

Merseyside Police will use plain-clothed officers and CCTV footage as a deterrent tactic to protect Manchester City's bus on its way to Anfield.

City's bus was attacked on the way into the ground for the first leg of the Champions league quarter-final in 2018 in an incident that left bad blood between the clubs. Despite a lengthy investigation that included ample footage from the streets, Merseyside Police were unable to make any arrests.

That was one of the most high-profile of a catalogue of unsavoury incidents that have marred the brilliant football produced when the teams meet, with tragedy chanting heard from City fans at Anfield last year and a 15-year-old girl hit by a pint pot weighted down with coins thrown by a Liverpool fan when the teams met at the Etihad in the league cup. Merseyside Police are this weekend putting specific measures in place to guard against any trouble.

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"As with any match, a comprehensive and proportionate policing operation has been put in place ahead of Sunday’s game and we have liaised with both clubs and their supporter groups. We are working to ensure this game can be enjoyed safely by all, whilst at the same time minimising any disruption to local residents and on the roads," Chief Inspector Iain Wyke said in a statement.

"As with all Premier League fixtures at Anfield, we will have officers on duty at the ground and the surrounding area, both uniformed and plain clothed, supported by CCTV, the dog section, mounted police and other specialist resources. We will also have a city centre policing plan in place