The police will keep a close eye on the supporters ahead of the Liverpool-Napoli Champions League tie.
The Liverpool Echo reports that fans using pyrotechnics could be hit by stadium bans or even a prison sentence as the police will deploy special dogs to ensure such items are not utilized.
Liverpool’s tie with Manchester City in last season’s Champions League saw the City bus being pelted by missiles. Match commander chief superintendent Dave Charnock said (h/t Liverpool Echo):
“While recognising that some supporters feel they can add to the atmosphere of the occasion, the use of flares and other pyrotechnics at and around football matches is a concern.
“Specialist dogs trained to detect pyrotechnics will be in and around the ground as we fully support the club in working to eradicate this dangerous and reckless practice and would ask that supporters work with us.
“The police and courts take these offences very seriously and prosecution can result in a prison sentence.”
The officer added that these measures apply not only within the stadium but also in the surrounding areas of the ground.
Liverpool need a great atmosphere in Anfield as the fans will act like the 12th man against a dangerous Napoli side.
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The Reds have to win against the Italians to make it into the next round of the competition, and with the fans backing us from the first minute, we should be in for a fantastic Champions League encounter.
