Midfielder Kevin De Bruyne has claimed that there was "nothing wrong" with the welcome that Manchester City received from Liverpool supporters when their team bus was approaching Anfield.

Ahead of the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final between the two clubs, City's coach was struck by missiles, bottles and smoke bombs in the roads leading to the stadium, with Liverpool being forced to apologise for the actions of their supporters.

However, despite manager Pep Guardiola condemning the behaviour, De Bruyne has played it down by insisting that he 'didn't mind' what had taken place before the team bus had reached Liverpool's famous ground.

The 26-year-old is quoted by the Manchester Evening News as saying: "It was okay. I don't mind supporters doing that – I've had it a couple of times for my team and it's a nice feeling.

"Breaking windows is probably not done but who am I to say something? I am fine with it as long as no-one gets hurt. As long as you keep the violence down, there's nothing wrong with it."

Liverpool went on to record a 3-0 victory on Wednesday, with each of the goals coming in the first half.