The Mayor of Liverpool, Joe Anderson, has urged fans to remain at home after Premier League title celebrations dragged into a second night in the city.
The Reds were crowned top-flight champions for the first time in 30 years on Thursday evening after Chelsea overcame Manchester City 2-1 at Stamford Bridge.
Tens of thousands of fans turned up at Anfield stadium to celebrate the win and Merseyside Police issued a dispersal order on Friday after crowds gathered for a second consecutive night in the city centre.
“I am really concerned about scenes at Pier Head tonight. I appreciate LFC fans want to celebrate but please, for your own safety, and that of others, go home and celebrate at home,” Anderson said on Twitter.
“Covid-19 is still a major risk and our city has already lost far too many people to the illness.
“People are asking why we are not moving the fans on, or taking action to prevent them gathering. Councils simply do not have the power to do this. If you know someone who is there, please message them and ask them to come home.”
COVID-19 has killed more than 43,000 people in the UK and the UK’s heatwave this week has led to large gatherings of sunbathers at beaches and at street parties in London which have caused clashes with police.
Merseyside Police’s Assistant Chief Constable Jon Roy said: “We understand people want to celebrate Liverpool becoming Premier League champions for the first time in 30 years, and the time will come when fans can celebrate together with the team and applaud their achievement, but now is not that time.
“Please follow the advice of the players, the manager and the club by putting safety first.”
