This archive report was first published on 27 June 2020.
On June 25, 2020, Liverpool was confirmed as the Premier League champions, sparking jubilation among fans. However, the celebrations quickly turned reckless as thousands of fans flocked to Anfield stadium, flouting social distancing guidelines.
According to eyewitnesses, fans lit flares and failed to wear face masks, putting themselves and others at risk. The situation escalated on June 26, when even larger crowds gathered at the Pier Head, ignoring social distancing guidance and risking public safety.
Several fans were injured in a waterfront incident, prompting authorities to condemn the celebrations as 'wholly unacceptable.' A joint statement from Merseyside Police and Liverpool City Council urged fans to celebrate safely, reminding them that the region was still disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Merseyside was one of the cities in England with a high number of coronavirus cases during the peak of the pandemic in March and April. The reckless celebrations have raised concerns about the potential spread of the virus.
