Merseyside police issue dispersal order for city centre after Liverpool fans celebrate winning first Premier League title; 15 arrested Friday night for “violent disorder”.
Police described Liverpool call fan gatherings ‘wholly unacceptable’ after large crowds gather in city for second night running.
Large gatherings of Liverpool fans have been called “wholly unacceptable” in a joint statement by the club, police, council and a fans’ group after crowds celebrated in the city for a second successive night.
Crowds gathered outside Anfield on Thursday as Liverpool secured their first league title in 30 years, after closest challengers Manchester City were beaten by Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Merseyside Police made 10 arrests for public order offenses on Thursday night during the celebrations.
“Friday night, children and families were present alongside others and heavy-handed police intervention was therefore not appropriate at the time,” he said. “Later on in the night, 15 people were arrested for violent disorder and my officers were subjected to a number of violent confrontations. This is not acceptable”.
According to Sky Sports, the Police said fan gatherings ‘wholly unacceptable’ after large crowds gather in city for second night running.
“In relation to those who have been involved in criminal or anti-social behaviour in the city last night we will be looking at CCTV images and video from body-worn cameras to identify those responsible and we will take positive action.”
Huge crowds of fans sang songs and let off flares outside Anfield, prompting the police to issue dispersal order under the Anti-Social Behavior crime and Policing Act 2014 which will remain in place until Sunday.
A joint statement issued by Liverpool FC, Merseyside Police, Liverpool City Council and Spirit of Shankly read: “During the evening the over exuberance of some of those in attendance, who were setting off flares and fireworks, resulted in a small fire on a balcony of the Liver building which had to be put out by Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service.
“We cannot stress enough that behaviour such as this is wholly unacceptable and those who were setting off fireworks and flares in the crowd were putting the safety of those around them at risk.
“Clearly we are still in a public health crisis and we need to work together with the public of Merseyside to prevent the potential spread of COVID-19.
“The potential danger of a second peak still exists and we need to work together to make sure we don’t undo everything we have achieved as a region during lockdown.
“The government has made it clear this week that if people continue to ignore guidelines around mass gatherings, whether they be at beaches or beauty spots, or for celebrations like we saw last night and the night before in Liverpool, then they have the ability to close down public spaces and will close areas if necessary.
“We all understand that fans want to celebrate, but now is not the time. We need to get through this first, and know that it is safe, before any victory parade can go ahead.”
