Police launch investigation after Real Madrid team coach has window smash ahead of clash with Liverpool
MERSEYSIDE POLICE will launch an investigation after the Real Madrid team coach had a window smashed.
The incident happened on the way to Anfield ahead of Liverpool’s crunch Champions League quarter-final second leg with Real Madrid.
Video footage and images of a broken window on the side of the luxury emerged on social media.
A Merseyside Police statement read: “An investigation is underway after damage was caused to the Real Madrid team bus this evening as it approached Anfield stadium.
“Such incidents will not be tolerated & we are working with Liverpool and reviewing CCTV and body worn footage.”
When one of Real’s buses parked up at the Kop end of the ground after the team had disembarked, it was apparent one pane of a double-glazed window had been smashed.
Liverpool staff could be seen cleaning up a pile of broken glass with Merseyside Police officers in attendance.
Hundreds of Liverpool fans had earlier been spotted lining Anfield Road ahead of kick-off.
A Liverpool spokesman said of the incident: “We condemn unequivocally the actions that led to Real Madrid’s team bus being damaged during its arrival to Anfield this evening
“It is totally unacceptable and shameful behaviour of a few individuals.
“We sincerely apologise to our visitors for any distress caused. We will work together with Merseyside Police to establish the facts and identify those responsible.”
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Zinedine Zidane’s side headed to Liverpool’s home ground with a 3-1 aggregate lead from their first-leg in Madrid.
Sports TV presenter Matt Critchley added: “A window of the Real Madrid coach has been smashed on arrival into Anfield, stewards believe a bottle was thrown.”
Spanish journalist Miguel Angel Diaz also confirmed the coach had been damaged and wrote on Twitter: “The Real Madrid bus has been stoned in Liverpool.”
In 2018, Manchester City’s coach was smashed by Liverpool supporters throwing bottles and smoke bombs as it arrived in Merseyside ahead of their Champions League encounter.
The vehicle was so badly damaged it was declared unfit to take the squad home at the end of their quarter-final tie.
Liverpool were later fined £17,400 by Uefa following the incident.