Pep Guardiola sarcastically thanks Liverpool security staff after Manchester City bus attack

Television footage appears to show Guardiola sarcastically telling stewards: 'Thank you very much' and 'I appreciate what you have done'

Pep Guardiola sarcastically thanked Anfield stewards after Manchester City’s team bus was hit with projectiles thrown by Liverpool supporters on Wednesday night.

According to footage obtained by Spanish television channel Gol, as he alighted the bus, Guardiola told security staff: “Thanks for protecting us, thank you very much” and “I appreciate what you have done”.

The City manager also gave a thumbs up to the stewards in question then appeared to utter the word “shame” as he walked into the Anfield dressing room.

City’s bus was left unfit for use after being hit with bottles, cans and pyrotechnics on its way to the ground.

Merseyside Police later confirmed that two of their officers were harmed by projectiles in the clashes and Uefa, European football’s governing body, are expected to launch an investigation.

In an official club statement, Liverpool apologised unreservedly for the incident and condemned the behaviour as “completely unacceptable”.

Guardiola gives a thumbs up to security staff (Gol TV)

Guardiola, who saw his side defeated 3-0 on the night, said after the final whistle that he was surprised to see such conduct from supporters of a “prestigious” club.

“Yesterday you explained, I am new here, that it is going to happen,” he said. “Normally when the police know it is going to happen, they tried to avoid it from happening.

“So I did not expect that from the Liverpool side, their people. One year ago something happened in Dortmund,” Guardiola added, referencing last year’s Dortmund bus bomb attack.

“We come here to play football and I don’t understand this kind of situation. The bus is destroyed but I did not expect a prestigious club like Liverpool doing this kind of thing.

“It is not Liverpool, it is the people, only one, two or three but hopefully it does not happen again.”