Liverpool charged by UEFA over Manchester City crowd disturbances

A flare burns as fans try to see the Manchester City team bus as it arrives ahead of the Champions League quarter final first leg soccer match between Liverpool and Manchester City. Photo / AP

Liverpool have been charged by UEFA over the disturbances at their Champions League clash with Manchester City on Wednesday.

Disciplinary proceedings have been opened by European football's governing body after a raft of incidents which overshadowed a stunning 3-0 first leg quarterfinal win for Jurgen Klopp's side at Anfield.

The club has been charged with four separate breaches of Article 16 of UEFA's disciplinary regulations relating to the behaviour of Liverpool supporters.

Liverpool has been charged due to acts of damage, crowd disturbance, the throwing of objects, and the setting off of fireworks.

The charges of setting off fireworks and throwing of objects relate to incidents from inside the ground and the charges of acts of damage and crowd disturbances relate to incidents involving the Manchester City FC team bus.

Under Article 16, Liverpool is partly responsible for the order and security both inside and around the stadium before, during and after matches.

It is liable for incidents of any kind and may be subject to disciplinary measures and directives unless it can prove it has not in any way been negligent in the organisation of the match.

It is also liable to ensure its supporters behave appropriately irrespective of any negligence in relation to the organisation of the match.

Liverpool issued a statement prior to kick-off, apologising unreservedly to Manchester City for the scenes which hampered their arrival for the first leg quarterfinal.

"The club condemns in the strongest possible terms the scenes which preceded our Champions League quarterfinal, which resulted in damage being inflicted on the Manchester City team bus during their arrival at Anfield," the statement read.

Two Merseyside Police officers were hurt during the disorder, which required Manchester City to use a replacement service following the damage to their bus.

The police have confirmed an investigation is under way, while Liverpool have also confirmed it will conduct its own enquiry and assist Manchester City with "whatever support is necessary".

Merseyside Police said: "Thankfully no-one on the bus was injured, but injuries were caused to two of our officers when projectiles were thrown towards the bus. The officers and stewards are there to protect the public and keep them safe.

"This behaviour by a number of people who threw bottles, cans and pyrotechnics towards the bus is completely unacceptable and we will conduct enquiries to identify who was responsible and bring them to justice."

After the game, Kevin De Bruyne and Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany both refused to blame the incident involving the bus for the performance and the result at Anfield.

The case will not be heard by UEFA's disciplinary body until May 31 after the final, meaning any sanctions would apply only next season.