Liverpool FC v- Manchester United Fixture: Saturday 18th February 2006
Further to your email dated 20th February 2006, we have received a number of complaints from Manchester United supporters regarding unacceptable
behaviour of Liverpool supporters at the recent game held at Anfield.
Apart from what we already knew on the day of the game, full investigations have been carried out regarding the issues you raise in your letter and all other complaints received.
The outcome of our findings is the conduct and behaviour of some of our fans, mainly located in the upper tier of the Anfield Road Stand was appalling and totally unacceptable to Liverpool Football Club. Joint investigations between the Club and Merseyside Police have been undertaken and are still continuing. A number of arrests inside and outside the Stadium were carried out and if any so called Liverpool supporter is found guilty of any public disorder or major breach of Ground Regulations they will be banned from the Club.
As you can imagine, the cowards who were throwing coins, plastic cups, and in one case at half time with excreta, were mainly doing this at the end of the match when fans were leaving the Stadium. When fans are leaving compacted together, it is very difficult to see who has carried out the offence. For your information, the front seats of the Upper Tier were not sold and this was kept as a lateral gangway for Stewards and Security Staff but for other reasons some left this location 15 minutes before the end of the game, which left the balance of Stewards exposed, this is something we will pick up on before the next game of this level.
Liverpool Football Club has prided itself, justifiably on having a good reputation across the football world for their behaviour but, on this occasion, we have fallen short.
The Club unreservedly condemns the unacceptable behaviour of those fans involved and will do everything possible to try and find the culprits. On behalf of the Club we apologise for the actions of the mindless few and for their disgraceful behaviour on the day.
We will also be reviewing our procedures and policy on segregation and visiting fan protection for this game in the future and speaking to Manchester United regarding other issues of major concern on this fixture in future at Anfield and Old Trafford.
Thank you for writing and bringing these issues to our attention.
Yours sincerely
GV Poynton
Stadium & Operations Manager
Given the excrement was thrown at halftime and in full view of a steward on the upper tier who was laughing along, Mr Poynton's letter is not wholly accurate. Don't expect any meaningful action on this.