Liverpool and Manchester City have warned their supporters of zero-tolerance for ‘unacceptable behaviour’ following trouble at their recent games.
The two clubs released a joint letter asking fans to report any incident ‘that causes harm’.
The move comes before the two sides face each other in the Carabao Cup fourth round at the Etihad Stadium on Thursday.
The letter read (as per The Athletic): “The passion and enthusiasm that we see from our fans when we play each other – at the Etihad Stadium or Anfield – is part of what makes matches between our clubs so special, and we know you are committed to creating a stadium environment where everyone is welcomed, accepted and has a fantastic matchday experience.
“Regrettably, based on recent meetings between our clubs, we also know that a minority of fans are responsible for behaviours and actions that have no place in our game.
“We are therefore writing to ask for your full support in tackling these behaviours and to ensure that both of our clubs’ good names are preserved.”
City and Liverpool met in October when the Reds prevailed 1-0 at Anfield. It was a tempestuous affair as the relations between the two clubs hit an all-time low.
The Cityzens alleged to the police that their bus had been attacked and coins were thrown at their manager Pep Guardiola.
They were also furious over Jurgen Klopp’s comments about their finances in the build-up to the highly anticipated league encounter.
However, in an attempt to defuse the tension, a meeting subsequently took place in November with representatives from both clubs’ fan networks – City Matters and Liverpool’s Supporters Board – also attending.
They have now released a joint letter to their supporters in the latest Man City news, which has been counter-signed by the CEOs of both clubs.
City and Liverpool have been the most successful clubs in England in recent years.
The two sides have seen an increasing level of friction in recent years, with unseemly behaviour from fans a regular feature of the rivalry.
However, it is a positive step by both clubs to try to improve relations.
