Liverpool fans spray noxious liquid, abuse United officials

Press, 12 February 1986, Page 72

Liverpool fans spray noxious liquid, abuse United officials

NZPA-AP

London

The English soccer giant, Liverpool, banned from European competition after its fans were held responsible for the riots that killed 39 people in a Brussels stadium nine months ago, was bracing yesterday for further disciplinary action after outbreaks of hooliganism in a league match.

At the club’s Anfield Stadium on Monday 22 people suffered when a noxious liquid was sprayed over fans and players of the visiting side, Manchester United. Officials of the visiting club also reported a brick being thrown at the team bus.

After the May 29 tragedy at the Liverpool-Ju-ventus European Champions’ Cup final in Brussels’ Heysel Stadium, English clubs were banned indefinitely from all European competitions and Liverpool was suspended for an additional three seasons in which it qualified.

Bobby Gill, the Liverpool supporters’ club secretary, said Monday’s incident would hamper the club’s chances of returning to European competition.

He said he believed observers from soccer’s governing body in Europe, U.E.F.A. (the Union of European Football Associ-

ations), may have attended Monday’s game. “In any case they will get reports, and it could well be that Liverpool will face further trouble from U.E.F.A.,” said Mr Gill. Manchester United’s chairman, Martin Edwards, condemned the Liverpool supporters, saying there also was “frightening abuse” hurled at himself and the manager, Ron Atkinson, while the vital First Division game was being played. "When you have to sit and watch a crowd like that, it makes you think that after Brussels they do not feel an ounce of remorse,” said Mr Edwards. “I have never known such abuse and agitation. It was frightening. A brick was thrown at the coach, but luckily it hit a stanchion first. Otherwise it would have hit (United striker) Mark Hughes. If you think about it, he could have been killed,” he said. “The abuse which Ron Atkinson and I took in the

stands during the game was awful. It has turned into sheer hatred. In fact, I felt ashamed to be British. This has gone beyond any bounds of sporting decency and is now pure hatred of Manchester United.” Mr Edwards said that that even United’s president, Sir Matt Busby, one of English soccer’s most respected figures, was abused by Liverpool supporters. He added that United would not make an official complaint to the English Football Association about the incidents. “Enough is known about what went on for them to make up their own minds.” The F.A., which is soccer’s domestic governing body in England, will seek the views of both clubs and the police before deciding whether to take any action. Merseyside police said no arrests had been made in connection with the spraying incident.