Liverpool have condemned the throwing of a smoke flare into the away end at Anfield on Sunday as well as an 'offensive' chant aimed at Chelsea supporters, but have thanked Blues fans for their compassion in marking the 30th Anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster.
A smoke device was thrown into the away end after Liverpool scored in the second half, which caused a nine-year-old boy receiving medical treatment, and the club have confirmed that they are working with Merseyside Police to investigate the issue.
They have also vowed to ban anyone found to have committed the offence from Anfield while the police confirmed on Monday that they were looking into the matter further.
Liverpool have also asked fans to stop singing a homophobic chant that is regularly aimed at Chelsea fans when they visit the north-west as it does not 'reflect the inclusivity that the club stands for'.
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The match between the two sides was also the remembrance of the 30th Anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster, where 96 football fans tragically lost their lives, with the minute's silence held before the match impeccably observed by the travelling Chelsea supporters.
Liverpool have thanked Chelsea fans for their compassion in marking the anniversary but have also condemned their fans for the behaviour seen during the game.
A club statement read: “Liverpool Football Club would like to thank the players, staff, officials and supporters of Chelsea for their compassionate marking of the Hillsborough anniversary during our fixture at the weekend.
“As ever, the overwhelming majority of those present at Anfield ensured the occasion was a fitting tribute.
“Regrettably, however, a smoke device was thrown into the away section during the second half and we are actively working with Merseyside Police to investigate the matter.
“Any person found to have committed this offence will be banned from our ground.
“The club is also concerned about a chant from some of our fans, specifically referencing Chelsea, as inappropriate and offensive.
“We would urge all Liverpool supporters to respect each other and stop such chants as they do not reflect the inclusivity that the club stands for.
“As a proud member of Stonewall’s Diversity Champions programme, we are committed to LGBT equality across all areas of the club and have contacted them and our own affiliated LBGT group Kop Outs for further support.”
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