• League Cup

United and Liverpool face flare probe

Flares have been a problem in the fixture in the past © Getty Images

Enlarge

The FA have contacted both Manchester United and Liverpool to ask why flares were let off at Old Trafford during their Capital One Cup tie on Wednesday.

And the Premier League warned both clubs that flares can cause supporters serious injuries.

Four flares were let off during United's 1-0 win with one reportedly thrown from the top tier of East Stand, where Liverpool fans were sat, to lower tiers, where their rivals were housed.

An FA spokesman told the Daily Telegraph: "The Football Association has contacted Manchester United and Liverpool to seek their observations into the incidents with flares during the Capital One Cup tie.

"The FA, Premier League and Football League are currently working together on the issue of flares, in conjunction with the Fire Service and St John Ambulance, in an effort to alert supporters to the potential dangers."

The Premier League said in a statement: "Flares are extremely dangerous. They burn at close to 2,000 degrees and we have been made aware of several incidents where fans have sustained injuries by igniting them.

"They also generate such large quantities of smoke that they negatively impact on people's enjoyment of the game and can cause panic and breathing difficulties for fans sat close to them.

"We will be stepping up our work with supporter groups to help fans understand the dangers involved with flares and encourage the minority who are putting others at risk to stop using them."

Greater Manchester Police arrested 10 people during the game.

Download ESPN's new UK sport app, a fresh and powerful new way to follow your favourite UK sports news, scores and video.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd