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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Sam Elliott

Liverpool supporters claim they are being targeted by police in Barcelona

Angry Liverpool fans are complaining of heavy-handed policing in Barcelona.

Supporters say drinks were kicked out of hands while flags were ripped down as they gather ahead of Wednesday night's Champions League semi-final.

Thousands of Reds have travelled to the Spanish city and subsequently complained about policing tactics.

Local police have been accused of "hugely over-reacting" as the fans enjoy the build-up.

It came after unsavoury scenes ahead of Tottenham ’s encounter with Ajax on Tuesday night saw three police officers injured while arresting missile-throwing football fans.

Liverpool fans took to social media to give their accounts as they await the first leg against the La Liga champions.

One fan said: "They (Spanish police) looked like they wanted a reaction. None came. The restraint was commendable."

Another wrote on twitter: "Liverpool fans singing and drinking in the designated meeting place in Placa Reial. Spanish police turned up and started hitting fans who were retreating. Absolutely no need in it whatsoever. Plenty of fans were recording it, hope the footage shows the truth."

Man Utd, Liverpool and Arsenal all urged to raid Ajax for up to FIVE players

There wasn't much peace between Liverpool fans and police (Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Sadio Mane opens up on his Barcelona hero as Liverpool head to Nou Camp

One fan added: "Peaceful singing Liverpool fans non aggressive defiance at being treated like hooligans.....police expected trouble. ....they got non.....in a city were you can't walk anywhere without the threat of being mugged or pickpocketed that is Barcelona ......over reaction on a huge scale."

On Tuesday a Liverpool fan was accused of pushing a passerby into a fountain.

Liverpool are looking to qualify for their second Champions League final in two seasons but manager Jurgen Klopp knows the size of the task facing his side.

But he says they must embrace the challenge - not run from it.

“I couldn't be more excited about having the opportunity to play here - and that's what I will transmit to my players, to enjoy it, be excited by it," he said.

“We cannot do more. We dream like you dream and try everything. We have a chance in both competitions, but we have to play the games. We have to work for it tomorrow. We are here, we want to play our best football and we will see what we get for it.

“Now we are here, we want to go to the final as well. Will we suffer? 100 per cent. Will there be moments where we have chances? 100 per cent."

Klopp revealed that Roberto Firmino came through training without mishap, and will train again in the morning - meaning he looks certain to start.

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