Liverpool fans’ celebrations ‘wholly unacceptable’, says club

Thousands of Reds fans celebrated in the city centre on Friday night despite warnings from police and politicians

Liverpool have labelled the behaviour of Reds fans celebrating in the city centre on Friday night as “wholly unacceptable”.

Thousands of Reds fans gathered last night to celebrate the team’s title win despite police and politicians warning there is still a “major risk” of coronavirus.

Police described the behaviour of fans as a “significant disorder” and now the Reds have released a joint-statement with Merseyside Police, Liverpool City Council and Spirit of Shankly to condemn the behaviour.

A statement from the club read: “Throughout the last week, Liverpool Football Club, Merseyside Police, Liverpool City Council and Spirit of Shankly have worked together to consistently remind people that the region is still disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and ask people to celebrate LFC’s Premier League title win safely.

“Several thousand people turned up at the Pier Head on Friday June 26 and some chose to ignore the social distancing guidance and risk public safety.

Liverpool fans let off flares outside the Liver Building in Liverpool (PA)

“Our city is still in a public health crisis and this behaviour is wholly unacceptable. 

“The potential danger of a second peak of COVID-19 still exists and we need to work together to make sure we don’t undo everything that has been achieved as a region during lockdown. 

“When it is safe to do so, we will all work together to arrange a victory parade when everyone can come together to celebrate. Until that time, the safety of our city and our people continues to be our number one priority.”

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The statement follows Mayor Joe Anderson accusing fans of “bringing negative focus” on the club rather than celebrating the team’s achievement.

He wrote: “More in sorrow than anger, like most Liverpool fans and residents I condemn those that brought a negative focus on Liverpool FC and our City.

“The pictures, videos showing people’s behaviour is being talked about instead of the fantastic achievement of Liverpool FC. Thank you to those fans who have listened.”