By LUKE AUGUSTUS, ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR and OLLIE LEWIS, SPORTS DIGITAL EDITOR
Published: | Updated:
Manchester City avoided a hostile reception at Anfield on Sunday afternoon by cunningly arriving to the ground via another entrance.
Swarms of Reds supporters were waiting to give Enzo Maresca's side a frosty greeting with the visitors playing for the first time since the Premier League's bombshell guilty verdict.
Liverpool supporters turned up in their droves with several red flares at the ready and multiple 'cheats' banners to try and intimidate their bitter rivals ahead of kick-off.
However, their hopes were extinguished as City came down another road, accompanied by a police escort.
City were found guilty of all serious financial rule breaches levelled against them between 2009 and 2018, a period where they saw off Liverpool to win the Premier League title in 2014-15.
The seismic findings have sent shockwaves through the football world, with potential punishments ranging from expulsion from the top flight, to points deductions and financial penalties. City have indicated their intention to appeal the verdict.
Man City's bus avoided a hostile reception from Liverpool fans after arriving via a different way
City were also accompanied by a police escort as they arrived at Anfield on Sunday afternoon
Liverpool fans were waiting to 'greet' Manchester City with red flares and 'cheats' references
Supporters hold aloft anti-City banners in light of their guilty verdict announcement last month
And Maresca has insisted it remains business as usual at the Etihad and he has 'complete trust' in the Abu Dhabi ownership group, while Erling Haaland called on his team-mates to 'enjoy the ride'.
‘I completely trust the club,’ Maresca said on Friday. ‘I trust the people and it’s one of the reasons I joined the club. There isn’t another club in the world where I would like to be.’
Asked if he would have accepted the job had he known what would transpire in the bitter case with the Premier League, Maresca added: ‘One hundred per cent. I know the organisation from years ago.
‘I know how serious they are and they do the right things. I want to speak about this when we win the appeal.’
Meanwhile, Haaland told Sky Sports that he believes City fans will 'have a good time' at Anfield. 'We have to stick together,' he added.
'We have to stay with each other and we have to stay positive no matter what happens in life - we always have to have a smile. We have to stay positive, look ahead and try to win football games and then try to enjoy the situation and win the game.'
The prolific striker also called for unity within the club. 'We have to stick together and we have to spread the love to each other,' he said. 'Stick together and enjoy the ride and smile.'
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