Liverpool’s Premier League title parade confirmed by council – but date cannot be set

Merseyside Police condemned fans for gathering at Anfield to celebrate on Thursday night

Liverpool council have confirmed that their city’s newly crowned Premier League champions will indeed hold a parade to celebrate their title triumph – but not until coronavirus is completely under control.

On Thursday night, Jurgen Klopp’s side secured the trophy the club have pined for since the Premier League’s inception in 1992 – two years after their last league title.

Chelsea defeated Manchester City 2-1 at Stamford Bridge to hand Liverpool the title, but Reds fans were unable to celebrate with their players due to social distancing measures.

Klopp and his team celebrated at a hotel in Liverpool while many supporters gathered at Anfield, leaving both groups to wonder when they will be able to come together to honour the historic triumph.

A spokesperson for Liverpool council told Liverpool Echo that a parade will in fact take place, but a date cannot be set yet, as the Covid-19 pandemic is still affecting the country.

“We are looking at plans on how a title win can be celebrated fully and would honour the club’s and fan’s ambitions to have a parade – this will only happen when it is safe to do so, lockdown restrictions have eased and the infection rate of the virus has been reduced,” the spokesperson said.

Merseyside Police, meanwhile, condemned the decision of some supporters to gather and celebrate in large groups on Thursday night.

Merseyside Police Assistant Chief Constable Rob Carden said: “I would like to congratulate Liverpool FC on deservedly winning the Premier League title, and thank the thousands of Liverpool fans across Merseyside who celebrated at home, as they have for the previous games played behind closed doors.

“The overwhelming majority of fans have recognised the fact that now is not the time to gather together to celebrate, and chose to mark the event safely. They are a credit to this city.

“Unfortunately, as we have seen throughout the lockdown period, not everyone adhered to the regulations in place. Although the vast majority of celebrations were good natured, a large number of people chose to gather outside the stadium.

“In the days ahead, we urge supporters to do the right thing and celebrate safely with members of your household and in your social bubble. By doing this you keep yourself, your family, friends and neighbours safe.”

Fans at Anfield celebrate Liverpool winning the Premier League title (Getty Images)

The north-west has been one of the worst-hit regions by coronavirus, with Liverpool’s death rate well over the average across England and the R rate believed to be around 1.

“As we all know, Merseyside has been disproportionately affected by the Covid-19 pandemic and we must all do what we can to prevent further cases and deaths in our communities,” Assistant Chief Constable Carden added.

“We understand people will feel jubilant that Liverpool has secured the league title for the first time in 30 years, and the time will come when fans can return to Anfield to applaud the team and to celebrate their achievement.

“Please follow the advice of the players, the manager and the club by putting safety first. The club is encouraging fans to share their experiences of watching future games at home with the hashtag #LFCAtHome on social media, and we all look forward to sharing your experiences of celebrating safely.”