Daily Times

LONDON: Manchester United and Liverpool fans have been warned to eliminate offensive behaviour during Monday’s explosive Premier League clash at Anfield.

Every match between the bitter rivals has been stained by violence and vile chants between supporters since the 1970s.

Last season, during their Europa League last 16 tie at Old Trafford, illicit chanting, setting off fireworks, throwing objects and crowd disturbances left UEFA with no choice but to fine Liverpool.

United received a similar punishment for crowd disturbances and the throwing of objects on the field at the same match, prior to which police had to remove a ‘Murderers’ banner, in reference to the Heysel and Hillsborough disasters, which was hung on a bridge above a motorway used by Liverpool fans on their way to Old Trafford.

Both United and Liverpool issued a joint statement that said any offensive behaviour will result in ejection from the ground and possible criminal prosecution.

“Both clubs, their supporters and football fans around the world are looking forward to this historic and passionate match between two of the sport’s biggest and oldest rivals,” the statement read.

“There is a great rivalry between our fans and we ask all supporters to be respectful and help eradicate all forms of discriminatory behaviour from the game.

“If any supporter engaged in any form of offensive or discriminatory behaviour is found by stewards or via CCTV, then they will be removed from the stadium and will risk arrest, prosecution and be reported in accordance with the club’s ground regulations.”

“This is an unparalleled fixture in the Premier League calendar and we thank all fans for their continued support in this important area of the game.”

Previous encounters have been disgraced by chants from both sets of fans about Hillsborough, where 96 Liverpool fans died, and the Munich air disaster, which claimed the lives of 23 people in 1958 including eight United players and three staff.