"We apologise unreservedly to Pep Guardiola, his players, staff and officials caught up in the incident.

"The behaviour of a number of individuals was completely unacceptable and the club will cooperate fully with the authorities to identify those responsible.

The priority now is to establish the facts and offer Manchester City whatever support is necessary."

Reds boss Jurgen Klopp also addressed the incident in his pre-match interview on BT Sport.

"For Liverpool FC I have to say sorry about that. It's exactly the opposite of what we wanted. But I don't know more, I didn't see any pictures or whatever but apologies to Manchester City and the players and the staff."

Merseyside Police have said they will investigate the incident and bring the perpetrators to justice.