Security beefed up in Merseyside ahead of Liverpool vs Manchester City

Tension is expected to run high when Manchester City are hosted at Anfield, Merseyside, on Sunday.

The title chasers meet each in a highly anticipated match which could decide the destination of the premier league crown in May.

Merseyside police on patrol

Information reaching DDM has it that Merseyside police have drafted in undercover detectives to ensure both set of supporters don’t get involved in fisticuffs ahead of, during, or after the showdown.

Recent matchups between the two title-chasers have seen drama and squabbles, with City’s team bus infamously pelted with objects by suspected Liverpool fans ahead of the 2018 Champions League quarter-final.

Liverpool are one point better than City, and a victory for either side would have a dramatic impact on the title race.

Fans will be under ‘strict surveillance’ outside Anfield, with undercover officers sporting body cameras and other sensitive gadgets.

Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola will go head-to-head for the second time this season

Authorities are also set to closely monitor the conduct of Liverpool and City fans inside the ground.

Merseyside Police have been in discussions with both clubs leading up to the game while putting together a plan of action to avoid ‘serious offences’.

Chief Inspector and match commissioner Iain Wake said: “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. 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.

“Our policing style will be firm, fair and friendly, but officers will not tolerate any tragedy chanting, which became an offence under legislation last year, the throwing of missiles or the use of pyrotechnics inside or outside of the stadium. The police and courts take these offences extremely seriously, and prosecution can result in a prison sentence.”

Both sides literally prepared for the encounter by recording comfortable victories in midweek.

Klopp led the Reds to a 5-1 victory over Sparta Prague in the Europa League, while the Cityzens saw off Copenhagen to reach the Champions League quarter-finals.

The last meeting between the duo was back in November 2023, when City were held to a 1-1 draw by Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium.
Sunday’s game is the reverse fixture.

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