Barcelona vs Liverpool: Fans ordered to behave after ‘totally unacceptable’ actions in city
A video circulating on social media has apparently shown fans pushing locals into a fountain
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Your support makes all the difference.Liverpool have described some of their fans’ behaviour in Barcelona as “totally unacceptable” ahead of tonight’s Champions League semi-final first leg.
The Reds are battling for European glory alongside the Premier League title race, but minor disturbances occurred in Barcelona on Tuesday with videos on social media reportedly showing their supporters pushing locals into a fountain at Placa Reial near La Rambla.
Police later cordoned off the square before moving all fans back to the main tourist strip and on to Placa de Catalunya, a main transport hub.
With Merseyside Police made aware of the incidents, the club have revealed they are looking to identify those involved, insisting their behaviour will not be tolerated.
“Liverpool Football Club is working with Merseyside Police and the authorities in Spain, who are endeavouring to identify those involved in the incident,” read the statement.
“Such behaviour is clearly totally unacceptable and will not be tolerated.
“It would be inappropriate to comment further while the situation is ongoing other than to confirm the club will follow due process in any and all cases of this nature.”
Chief executive Peter Moore also called on fans to treat Barcelona with respect in the build-up to the game.
“We proudly sing that we’ve conquered all of Europe. But let’s treat this beautiful city with the respect that it deserves, and act in a manner that is befitting of LFC,” he wrote on Twitter.
“By all means have a good time, but we are Liverpool, and as such, let’s visit here with grace and humility.”
Merseyside Police’s dedicated Twitter account for Liverpool fans delivered the following advice this week: “Eat, drink and enjoy all areas in the city centre. Respect monuments.”
While Merseyside Police released a statement following six arrests.
Merseyside Police confirmed six people had been arrested for public order offences in an unrelated incident.
"We are liaising with Spanish Police, the British Embassy, UEFA, the Football Intelligence Unit in Merseyside and Liverpool Football Club, who are all working to keep fans safe and ensure an enjoyable experience in Barcelona," said Superintendent Paul White.
Merseyside Police confirmed six people had been arrested for public order offences in an unrelated incident.
"We want to reassure the public that we can act on incidents using British Law and we will take action.
"This type of behaviour is wholly unacceptable and I want to remind fans who are travelling with tickets to monitor official fan advice on the club's official website and social media feeds for information to assist their visit.
"Given the vigilance of police and security around the stadium, we would encourage fans to arrive in plenty of time.
"I would also encourage people to look after their own personal safety by taking some simple precautions - look after your money and belongings, stay together in groups, drink sensibly and give yourself plenty of time to get to the ground."
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