Enjoy at home: Liverpool reiterate need for safe celebrations ahead of Villa clash

Liverpool have once more urged their supporters to keep away from mass gatherings within the metropolis and to have a good time their Premier League triumph safely at house as a way to forestall the unfold of the coronavirus, chief government Peter Moore mentioned on Friday.

Liverpool’s 30-year wait for their 19th English top-flight crown ended final week when Manchester City misplaced at Chelsea and hundreds of followers turned up at their Anfield stadium to have a good time.

Local media reported that followers launched fireworks at the Royal Liver Building, with a fireplace breaking out on the balcony of the landmark owned by Farhad Moshiri, the bulk shareholder of the facet’s native rivals Everton.

Liverpool, Merseyside police and the City Council issued a press release condemning the “wholly unacceptable” behaviour, whereas supervisor Juergen Klopp requested supporters keep at house and keep away from spoiling the work carried out in containing the outbreak.

“We are delighted to have won this title, but as the manager has said, we will come together to celebrate properly only when it is safe and secure to do so,” Moore mentioned ahead of Sunday’s clash in opposition to Aston Villa.

“The club’s message for everybody is enjoy watching the team on TV and enjoy celebrating at home.”

Merseyside Police mentioned followers could have a lot of time to have a good time after the pandemic is underneath management.

“We don’t want to have to go through that public health problem of mass gatherings across the city,” Merseyside Police Chief Constable Andy Cooke mentioned. “The time to celebrate is after this pandemic has gone.”

The Liverpool supporters’ union appealed to followers to seek out other ways of celebrating their triumph.

“It’s nonetheless a bit surreal watching the sport now with no followers, it feels unsettling in some methods however that’s the place we’re. Let’s use this distinctive circumstance to have a good time otherwise,” Joe Blott, Chair of Spirit of Shankly added.

Britain has one of the world’s highest death tolls from COVID-19, with more than 43,500 fatalities.