Use your head like Sadio and subscribe to the Liverpool FC newsletter Sign me up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Merseyside Police have confirmed that rumours the Barcelona team bus had been stolen and damaged were blatantly untrue.

Wild rumours about the distinctive bus being driven erratically around Fazakerley circulated on Twitter but were complete works of fiction, police confirmed.

The Spanish team arrived in Liverpool yesterday (May 6) ahead of tonight Champions League semi-final match at Anfield.

Based in the city's Hilton Hotel football fans descended on the hotel to watch the team's distinctive Barca bus arrive.

Last night there was a small twitter storm after one tweet suggested the bus had been spotted in the north of the city.

The viral tweet said: "Are Barca staying at The Hilton? If so, someone best tell them their bus has been robbed and it’s driving round Fazak"

Another user said: "Just been Maccies and seen the Barca team bus steaming down the road - has almost crashed about 15 times..."

One person even suggested the bus had been seen doing doughnuts in a local car park.

The tweet said: "Surely these tweets flying round saying someone’s doing doughnuts on the showcase car park in the Barcelona bus can’t be real haha.

This morning Merseyside Police confirmed they had absolutely no reports of the Barcelona bus being damaged or stolen.

Most people were quick to challenge the the rumours because there were no photos or videos of the alleged incident.

Merseyside Police have also urged fans of both teams to enjoy the game but have said they will be 'firm' with any fans who cause problems.

Match Commander Supt Paul White said: "We are expecting a vibrant atmosphere at Tuesday’s match, but our intention is that at the end of the day we will be talking about the game and what happened on the pitch as opposed to off the pitch.

"As always, my officers will be dealing with the fans, as they would expect to be treated themselves. Our policing style will be firm, fair and friendly, but we will take action where necessary, against those individuals who may seek to cause problems or misbehave and spoil the evening for the majority of supporters.



"We know that this will be a busy operation with the eyes of the footballing world on Liverpool and we hope that fans attending the match will act as ambassadors for their clubs and enjoy what I am sure will be a good game. Both sets of supporters will be delighted that their teams have reached the semis and whatever the result on the night, that is an achievement worth celebrating for both clubs."

He added: "To ensure a safe environment for those attending the game, officers, working with club stewards, will be providing a reassuring presence in the area and they will be supported by mobile CCTV, provided by Liverpool City Council, and specialist dogs trained to detect pyrotechnics.

"Merseyside Police has been planning with Liverpool Football Club, Barcelona and other partners in the city to ensure that everyone attending the game has a great evening.

Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will start in 8 Cancel Play now

"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. Merseyside Police is committed to ensuring that everyone involved and attending the game tonight has a safe and enjoyable experience and we will not tolerate any criminal, or anti-social behaviour."

"As usual we would ask fans with tickets to arrive at the ground as early as possible. Fans without tickets should not attend at all; they will not be allowed entry into the stadium."