Liverpool mayor slams football fans partying a second night

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Firework-firing football fans have set fire to the Liver Building as celebrations for Liverpool’s league win go on for a second night despite the mayor’s pleas to go home over coronavirus fears. 

Flames were seen coming from the listed building’s balcony just before 11pm on Friday evening.

The cause of the fire is not yet clear, but stray fireworks were seen hitting the front of the building moments before. Police have now issued a dispersal order around the city centre. 

The fire – captured in footage shared on social media – has been confirmed by emergency services. It has now been put out. 

Merseyside fire and rescue said: ‘We were alerted to a small fire on a patch of astroturf. Firefighters have dealt with the incident and the fire is now out.’ 

The Reds, who had to endure a three-month wait for glory amid the coronavirus pandemic, were crowned champions on Thursday after Manchester City failed to beat Chelsea. 

However for a second night in a row crowds of fans flocked to the city centre to let off flares, chant and celebrate the title win, while ignoring social distancing measures. 

In response the Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson urged people to leave the area because it is not safe and that the city has already lost ‘far too many people to the illness’. 

And he warned that a curfew could be put in place as part of plans to tackle anti-social behaviour.  

Sharing a picture of the busy scenes in Liverpool this evening Joe Anderson tweeted: ‘There is clearly to many people intoxicated and causing anti social behaviour, around City Centre, Please I urge you leave the City centre now it is not safe.

‘Merseyside Police will take action against people not obeying rules Covid-19 is still a real risk.’

He added: ‘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. Covid-19 is still a major risk and our city has already lost far too many people to the illness.’

In a separate Tweet in response to people who had asked him why fans were not being moved on he said that councils don’t have the power to do this.

He also urged people to message friends that are there to ask them to come home. 

Official figures show Liverpool registered 544 coronavirus-related deaths up to 12 June and 1,677 cases up to 25 June. 

Last night some 5,000 fans managed to surround the Anfield stadium before police sealed off roads leading to it, though they made no move to break up the party. 

A handful of police vans and uniformed officers waited near the ground – though the celebrations were peaceful despite a lack of social distancing. A police helicopter was also seen circling the ground. 

Manchester City’s defeat gave Liverpool a first title win since 1990, ending 30 years of hurt and near-misses after multiple second place finishes. 

Last night’s result leaves Jurgen Klopp’s men 23 points ahead of Pep Guardiola’s side with just 21 left to play for.  

It is confirmation of what has been apparent for a long time, given Liverpool’s dominance during the campaign, of which there was further evidence on Wednesday evening when they thrashed Crystal Palace 4-0.  

Liverpool, who narrowly missed out on the title to Manchester City last season, have been in stellar form all seasons, losing just one match on their path to glory. 

Though the title had been destined to head to Merseyside because of Liverpool’s huge lead, there were fears the coronavirus pandemic would cause the season to be cancelled, potentially breaking the hearts of fans. 

But the government allowed the Premier League to restart, paving the way to tonight’s crowning.