Manchester City apologise after fans disrupt Hillsborough tribute before FA Cup semi-final

Manchester City have apologised to Liverpool after a section of their fans disrupted a pre-match minute’s silence held to remember the victims of the Hillsborough disaster.

A period of remembrance was scheduled before today’s FA Cup semi-final showdown between the two Premier League title rivals at Wembley, which took place a day after the 33rd anniversary of the 1989 disaster in which 97 Liverpool fans tragically lost their lives.

But the tribute was shamefully interrupted by a small number of City fans, who did not stop singing and chanting as the disrupted silence had to be ended early by referee Michael Oliver as a result.

Liverpool fans booed their disapproval at Wembley at the silence being interrupted.

“Manchester City are extremely disappointed with the actions of some City supporters during the minute’s silence before today’s game,” said a statement from a City spokesman released during the semi-final.

“The Club sincerely apologises to all those connected with Liverpool Football Club.”

Addressing the incident after his side’s 3-2 defeat at Wembley, City boss Pep Guardiola said: “I think Manchester City made a statement.

“This is not Manchester City. We are close to Liverpool club for the tragedy that happened years ago. We are alongside them. After these guys singing (it) doesn’t represent what we are.”