After fans shattered a window on the Real Madrid team bus ahead of the Champions League quarterfinal on Wednesday, Liverpool has blamed “a few people” for their “shameful conduct.”
The pre-game incident, which happened as the visitors arrived at Liverpool’s Anfield stadium, is being investigated by Merseyside Police in Liverpool. According to the police, about 400 people were present, and “a range of objects was hurled” at the car, as well as pyrotechnics being set off in the region.
The outer pane of a double-paned glass window was broken out in images from the scene, but police reported there were no injuries.
“We condemn unequivocally the actions that led to Real Madrid’s team bus being damaged during its arrival to Anfield,” said a Liverpool spokesperson in a statement to CNN Sport.
“It is unacceptable and shameful behaviour of a few individuals. We sincerely apologize to our visitors for any distress caused. We will work together with Merseyside Police to establish the facts and identify those responsible.”
Authorities state they’re now reviewing CCTV video from the incident and collaborating with Liverpool to figure out who was involved. They encouraged someone with videos from social media to contact them.
“As with all matches, we have worked very closely with both clubs to ensure the safety of the public and the teams themselves, and the disgraceful behaviour of those involved this evening is extremely disappointing and unacceptable,” Merseyside Police Chief Superintendent Zoe Thornton said in a statement.
“Under no conditions will such events be accepted.”
Real Madrid did not respond to CNN Sport’s request for comment right away. The game ended in a goalless draw, advancing Real to the Champions League semifinals after a 3-1 win in the first leg. In the last four, Real Madrid will face Chelsea in a bid to win a record-extending 14th European Cup.
Manchester City advanced to the semifinals of the Champions League after beating Borussia Dortmund 4-2 on aggregate. It will now compete for a place in the final against Paris Saint-Germain.
