Man City 'left with no choice' as they prepare to install protective netting around Etihad away end

Manchester City are set to introduce netting around the Etihad Stadium away end after numerous reports of missiles being launched in recent matches against Liverpool.

The Premier League champions - who are subject to accusations of financial wrongdoing from the Premier League - are said to have been left with 'little choice' as they look 'to protect their own supporters'

The news comes from the DailyMail, which notes that a recent safety group meeting disclosed that more than 50 reports of missiles being launched from the away end had been made following City's 3-2 victory over Liverpool in the Carabao Cup on December 22nd.

It adds that whilst Liverpool chief executive Billy Hogan had apologised to the father of a child who was left 'scarred for life' after being injured by a cup full of coins launched from the away end, City had been left with no choice but to act.

It is thought that the netting - which is commonly seen across Europe but rarely in the United Kingdom - would not be a permanent fixture to the Citizens away end, but rather once that would be installed at the club's discretion dependant on the risk of trouble from the away end.

There has been a history of bad blood between the two sets of supporters in recent years, with City fans condemned for their 'vile chants' in the Premier League clash at Anfield earlier this season.

Liverpool have been guilty of their own wrongdoing too, with fans seen launching missiles at Manchester City's team bus in the build up to their crunch UEFA Champions League tie in 2018.

The two sides are set to come head-to-head for a third time this season when they meet at the Etihad in the Premier League on the weekend commencing April 1st.