Scuffles broke out between Liverpool fans and police outside Anfield Stadium on October 11 after Manchester City defeated Liverpool 3-0 in their first match since being found guilty of breaching financial regulations.
The match was widely seen as a challenging first fixture for City, with a hostile Anfield atmosphere expected following the guilty verdict, which the club denies.
City silence home fans with 3-0 win
Despite banners taunting fans with references to 'cheats' and 'tainted glory', City quietened the home supporters after a goalless first half, with Liverpool reduced to ten men.
The away fans and players largely avoided the Liverpool crowds as they entered the stadium. However, M.E.N reporter Chris Slater reported some 'handbags' between home fans and police outside the away end after the match.
Police deploy pepper spray
As City fans left the ground inside a barrier of police officers, Liverpool fans on the other side traded angry words and gestures with the departing supporters. Officers then drew their batons and deployed pepper spray to some fans after they refused to step back.
Fans appeared to leave the ground without further incident, although there were shouts of "f***ing cheats" and "cheating b*****ds" from the home crowd.
Club appeals guilty verdict
It was made official at the end of September that the club had been found guilty by the Premier League of breaching multiple regulations between 2009 and 2018, a verdict which the club has appealed as it maintains its innocence.
The Premier League said an independent commission found City arranged "sham" commercial deals with a number of its sponsors during the period, which were part of a disguised funding scheme. Those companies were required to pay only a portion of the relevant sponsorship fees, with the remainder funded by Man City owner Sheikh Mansour's Abu Dhabi United Group, the commission found.
Manchester City maintain their innocence and will be appealing the verdict. Merseyside Police has been approached for comment.
