It will come as no great surprise that Liverpool have been charged by UEFA for the behaviour of their fans before yesterday's Champions League tie against Manchester City.
Surrounding the City coach on its way into Anfield, a group of fans from the home club set-off fireworks, threw objects and wreaked general havoc - all in direct contrast to UEFA regulations.
The charges will now be dealt with by UEFA's control, ethics and disciplinary board on May 31.
Although the incidents did not take place within the club's stadium, Article 16 of UEFA's regulations regarding order and security describes why Liverpool is now coming under scrutiny:
Host clubs and national associations are responsible for order and security both inside and around the stadium before, during and after matches.
An incident that somewhat marred proceedings during Liverpool's impressive 3-0 win in the first-round of this quarter-final tie, Paul White of the Merseyside Police elabourated on the damage sustained:
Two officers sustained cuts and swelling - one was struck by an object and another suffered glass cut injuries. It is pleasing to hear that nobody else was seriously injured.
What should have been a celebratory event for thousands of people was spoiled by a number of people who threw bottles, cans and pyrotechnics.
Their actions will not be tolerated by Merseyside Police and we will do everything in our power to find those responsible and put them before the courts.
With the return leg to come early next week, interest will now turn toward Manchester City and a potential response from their own fan-base.
Although few would expect the Etihad Stadium to offer a similarly hostile atmosphere for Liverpool's fans or players, there will undoubtedly be some concern among the Liverpool hierarchy that any repeat of last night's incident is not carried out when they travel to Manchester.
