Greater Manchester Police have launched an investigation after a 15-year-old girl and Manchester City supporter suffered head injuries after being hit by a full plastic pint pot “weighted with coins” thrown from the Liverpool section during Thursday's fiery Carabao Cup clash at the Etihad Stadium.
Daniel Cornwell claimed his teenage daughter had to have her head glued and has been left with “a scar for life” in the wake of the “horrible” incident.
The girl was in the lower South Stand when the object hurled from the third tier housing Liverpool's supporters struck her on the head. Paramedics were called to the scene.
A spokesman for GMP said: “A 15-year-old girl was treated for head injuries and we will be investigating.” Liverpool and City have been approached for comment and it is understood that GMP is likely to issue an appeal for witnesses.
The ugly incident follows calls from both clubs for an end to the toxic atmosphere that has marred recent games between the sides.
Ferran Soriano, the City chief executive, and his Liverpool counterpart Billy Hogan had written a joint letter to supporters of both clubs urging them to shop any fans seen guilty of “unacceptable behaviours”.
Cornwell said his daughter had been left “really shook up”. “The 15-year-old was my daughter,” he posted on Twitter. “500+ football matches in 100+ stadia and I've never experienced anything like I did tonight. Horrible. Thanks to the paramedics, police and stewards that helped after the event.
“She's OK now but still really shook up. Awful experience. She seems fine if very shaken and with a scar for life. Not sure if she'll fancy heading back soon.”
'We need to do better societally'
Cornwell claimed the object that hit his daughter was a “heavy plastic pint pot filled with beer and weighted with coins”.
He expressed hope that GMP would identify the culprit on CCTV and questioned why City had opted to put Liverpool fans in the third tier of the South Stand, directly above their City counterparts, which he claimed was a “bad decision”.
“We will try to hold the club accountable for that decision,” Cornwell tweeted.
He confirmed he was in communication with GMP and City and thanked people for their support. “To everyone that has tweeted with kind words, thank you,” he tweeted. “We are speaking to the club this morning and are also in communication with @gmpolice. We have not heard anything from @LFC or their supporter groups.
“My daughter seems to be doing OK but is sleeping it off at the moment. I didn't feel safe at Anfield when I went last year and now this. It's not right is it? We need to do better societally.”
October's meeting between the clubs at Anfield was marred by disgraceful scenes. Liverpool condemned vile chants from City fans mocking the Hillsborough disaster and graffiti daubed on the away concourses about the tragedy which claimed 97 lives. City claimed manager Pep Guardiola had coins thrown at him and that their team bus was attacked as it left Anfield.
City won 3-2 on Thursday night courtesy of goals from Erling Haaland, Riyad Mahrez and Nathan Ake to set up a quarter final meeting with Southampton.
As well as the threat of criminal charges, it is understood that if the person responsible for throwing the object is identified they will be banned from the Etihad and Anfield.
In a separate incident, sources said Liverpool disabled supporters were racially abused on the disabled tribune at the Etihad. A City supporter was arrested and ejected and that matter is also the subject of an investigation.
GMP's match commander, Superintendent Gareth Parkin, said: "We are aware of a number of objects, including coins and a smoke bomb, that were thrown during the match.
"We will be investigating the incidents and reviewing CCTV from the night.
"Clearly throwing objects in a confined area can be dangerous, and have serious and sometimes devastating consequences - GMP sends it's thoughts and wishes to the girl who was injured and wish her a speedy recovery."
'Wholly unacceptable'
In a joint statement, City and Liverpool condemned the “wholly unacceptable” incidents and vowed to bring those responsible to account.
“Manchester City FC, Liverpool FC and the Chairs from our supporter groups have worked together in recent weeks to remind fans of our expectations and both clubs would like to thank the vast majority of fans for their behaviour at last night's Carabao Cup match at the Etihad Stadium,” the statement read.
“It is however hugely disappointing that there were a number of incidents during last night's match that are wholly unacceptable. These incidents will be fully investigated, reported to the police and the individuals who are found to be responsible will be subject to the sanction process of their respective club.
“Manchester City FC and Liverpool FC are fully committed to working together to eradicate these issues from our fixtures. They have no place in football.”