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Liverpool fans have been warned not to let off flares and smoke bombs prior to the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final with Manchester City at Anfield.

A poster circulating on social media has urged supporters to line Anfield Road some two hours before kick-off on April 4 to provide a hot reception for Pep Guardiola’s side with “flares and flags, banners and bangers, pints and pyro”.

Despite it not being endorsed by any particular fans’ group, Manchester City have expressed their concerns to the authorities and now Merseyside Police have reiterated that anyone who uses pyrotechnics will be prosecuted.

Superintendent Paul White told the Mail: “We are aware that fans have indicated they plan to gather ahead of the Champions League match to be played on 4 April 2018 between Liverpool and Manchester City.

“While recognising that some supporters feel they can add to the atmosphere of the occasion, the use of flares and other pyrotechnics at and around football matches is a concern. We fully support the club in working to eradicate this dangerous and reckless practice and would ask that supporters work with us.

“The police and courts take these offences very seriously and prosecution can result in a prison sentence. I would remind people that this can apply not only within the stadium, but also in the surrounding streets and when attempting to enter the ground."

Liverpool were fined three times by UEFA for the use of flares and fireworks during their run to the Europa League final in 2016.

The Reds responded by stepping up security and putting sniffer dogs outside the turnstiles. Any supporter found trying to take such devices into a game faces a stadium ban as well as prosecution.