Man City and Liverpool chiefs write joint letter to fans ahead of Carabao Cup clash

Liverpool and Manchester City have written to their fans to “tackle behaviours” which have led to trouble at recent fixtures between the two clubs.

Thursday’s fourth round clash at the Etihad Stadium marks the first meeting between the teams since October’s tempestuous Premier League encounter.

City fans were criticised by Liverpool for singing songs referencing the Hillsborough disaster, visiting manager Pep Guardiola claimed that he was hit by a coin thrown from the Anfield stands and City’s team bus suffered damage as the team left the stadium following their 1-0 defeat.

The match the latest in a series of ugly meetings between the pair as relations have soured between the two most successful sides in England in recent years.

The clubs and their fan groups held a meeting in November after which they all committed to improving relations.

The two sides have sent a joint letter to supporters asking them to report any incidents “that cause harm”.

“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,” said the letter from Liverpool chief executive Billy Hogan and City counterpart Ferran Soriano.

“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.”

They added: “It is important for everyone to be aware that we are fully committed to dealing with unacceptable behaviours and will take action by issuing bans to those found to be responsible.

“We have engaged the chairs from both our respective fan groups in our discussions and have their full backing to help create the right environment for our matches.

“We appreciate that some fans may not be aware of the impact of their behaviours on other fans, both inside and outside the stadium, and we will continue to work with our fans on this education.”