Real Madrid team bus window smashed on way to Liverpool Champions League clash
A window was smashed on a Real Madrid team bus after objects were thrown at it on the way to the Champions League quarter-final against Liverpool.
The bus was attacked as it approached Anfield, en route from the Titanic Hotel in the city, with Liverpool fans lining the streets outside the stadium.
In a statement, Liverpool said: “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.”
It appeared that objects were thrown, breaking a window halfway down the vehicle on the driver’s side. Groups of Liverpool fans did congregate before the game, with their club trailing 3-1 from the first leg in Madrid, and with some flares being set off.
The driver was later seen breaking away the remaining pieces of glass as the bus was parked outside the Main Stand before it was cleaned up.
Marks were also visible on the windows of a second bus suggesting it may, too, have been targeted.
It remains to be seen whether Real lodge an official complaint or Liverpool face an investigation from Uefa although it is not the first incident in which a team coach on its way to Anfield has been targeted before a big Champions League fixture.
Cans, bottles and flares were thrown at the Manchester City bus before the quarter-final between the two clubs in April 2018. Liverpool were later fined 20,000 euros (£17,400) by Uefa following the incident.
At that time Liverpool were charged under article 16 of Uefa’s disciplinary regulations which relate to setting off fireworks, throwing of objects, crowd disturbances and acts of damage.
The attack on the Real bus was far less dramatic and not least because there were far fewer fans on the streets for a game being played behind closed doors because of the ongoing Covid restrictions.
Real's director of football Emilio Butragueño on Anfield bus incident: "The relationship between the two clubs is great. Liverpool's directors have apologised and now we focus on the match."
Asked about the incident, Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp said: “I heard it after the game. I think the club said what we have to say about it.”
