Greater Manchester Police have confirmed that an investigation is underway after Liverpool's team bus was allegedly attacked on the way back from the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.
Jurgen Klopp's side suffered a miserable 4-1 defeat to the Premier League champions at lunchtime, their third successive loss in a row across all competitions.
Following the chastening defeat, a brick was apparently thrown at Liverpool's team bus on the way out of the stadium, leading to a crack in one of the windows, but nobody on the coach was injured.
"Following today's Premier League fixture between Manchester City and Liverpool, GMP received reports of criminal damage to Liverpool FC player's coach," a statement from GMP read.
"It is reported the incident took place at approximately 3.40pm (BST) on Ashton New Road close to the junction of Rowsley Street.
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"There were no reports of any injuries and the Liverpool Club coaches were able to continue with their journey. An investigation has now been launched by Greater Manchester Police to identify and locate the offenders."
Man City also condemned the "unacceptable" act of alleged criminal damage, saying in a statement: "Manchester City FC has been made aware that Liverpool FC's coach sustained damage on its return journey following today's game.
"We understand an object was thrown towards the coach in a residential area. Incidents of this kind are totally unacceptable, and we strongly condemn the actions of the individual(s) responsible. We will fully support Greater Manchester Police's investigation into this incident in any way we can."
Clashes between Liverpool and Man City have been overshadowed by several unsavoury off-field incidents in recent memory, and Reds fans were also the targets of "always the victims" chants during Saturday's game.
The chant - which has strong links to the Hillsborough disaster - was heard after Rodri escaped a second yellow card for a foul on Cody Gakpo, despite fierce protests from Klopp's players.
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City insisted that all steps would be taken to try to eradicate the "hateful chanting", saying: "Manchester City are disappointed to have heard inappropriate chants from home fans during today's game.
"We regret any offence these chants may have caused and will continue to work with supporters groups and officials from both clubs to eradicate hateful chanting from this fixture."
The reverse fixture at Anfield in October - which Liverpool won 1-0 - also saw allegations of Man City's bus being attacked and coins being thrown in Pep Guardiola's direction, although an investigation into the latter found no conclusive evidence that such an offence took place.
Goals from Jack Grealish, Julian Alvarez, Kevin De Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan cancelled out Mohamed Salah's strike on Saturday lunchtime, allowing Man City to cut the gap to Arsenal down to five points before the Gunners beat Leeds United to restore their eight-point lead at the top.
Meanwhile, Liverpool have dropped to eighth in the standings, with Brighton & Hove Albion and Brentford leapfrogging the Reds thanks to their 3-3 draw at the Amex Stadium.
Ben Knapton
