LIVERPOOL and Leeds fans ignored police warnings by gathering outside their clubs’ grounds to celebrate their league wins.
Reds supporters in Merseyside lit flares and partied as the Liverpool team bus made its way into Anfield.
Liverpool fans ignored police warnings to stay home and ventured to Anfield to celebrate with their sideCredit: AFP or licensors
The supporters gathered in their hundreds to see the team bus arriveCredit: PA:Press Association
Flares were lit by fans as Liverpool made their way into AnfieldCredit: PA:Press Association
Cops had told fans to respect social distancing guidelines and celebrate at home amid fears of a new coronavirus spike.
But those messages fell of deaf ears as supporters in the North West kick-started the night’s celebrations – while those in Leeds did likewise.
Liverpool are celebrating winning their first league title in 30 years while Leeds won the Championship to get back into the Premier League after 16 years.
Liverpool legend Sir Kenny Dalglish and captain Jordan Henderson – who will lift the trophy after the game against Chelsea – had told fans to remain away.
Leeds fans also ignored messages from cops urging people to celebrate at homeCredit: EPA
There were scenes of jubilation outside Elland RoadCredit: EPA
These supporters did not care about social distancing guidelinesCredit: EPA
Supporters flocked together on their big nightCredit: EPA
The Reds team bus was met by fans on its way into the groundCredit: PA:Press Association
Leeds supporters also lit flares and celebrated their team’s Championship winCredit: PA:Press Association
Fans were packed together outside Elland RoadCredit: PA:Press Association
Police were pretty much powerless to stop the fans congregatingCredit: PA:Press Association
Leeds are back in the Premier League after 16 yearsCredit: PA:Press Association
No police warning was going to stop these Leeds fans from celebratingCredit: PA:Press Association
The drink was flowing as supporters gathered to celebrate promotionCredit: PA:Press Association
But hundreds turned up to wave flags, blow car horns and sing in the streets around Enfield.
Assistant Chief Constable Natalie Perischine of Merseyside Police had said: “This is such an important night for all Liverpool fans in the city and worldwide, with the Premier League trophy to be lifted inside the stadium.
“The club and TV companies have made careful preparations to ensure that millions of people can enjoy these special moments on screen, in the comfort of their homes.
“On this occasion, the best seat in the house is in your living room. There is simply no benefit to going to the ground and we as a city cannot afford for people to gather in large numbers.
“We are all still in unprecedented times due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the last thing anyone wants is a resurgence of cases in Merseyside, with every life lost a tragedy.
“The last thing anyone wants is for all Merseyside’s patience and selflessness to unravel and for lockdown measures to be reintroduced, as we have seen in other areas.”
Leeds United fans have gathered outside Elland Road tonight, despite the club urging them to stay at home
Leeds fans join in the celebrations outside their stadiumCredit: EPA
There was a police presence but they seemed happy to let the fans mingleCredit: PA:Press Association
Liverpool fans packed in around the ground as their team played ChelseaCredit: EPA
Blue smoke billowed out around Elland RoadCredit: PA:Press Association
Fans have been celebrating since Leeds’ promotion was confirmedCredit: EPA
Police later issued a 48-hour dispersal order to prevent mass gatherings.
The order included the area of Anfield as well as Everton’s home ground Goodison Park.
But nothing was going to stop these jubilant fans from celebrating so close to their heroes.
Liverpool will lift the trophy after their final home game of the season against Chelsea in a £1million party put on by the club.
Leeds are playing Charlton and Marcelo Bielsa’s heroes will go through their own presentation after the final whistle.
Liverpool previously condemned some fans after 34 were injured – three seriously – in earlier celebrations.
Merseyside Police had put in a “comprehensive and appropriate policing operation” ahead of kick-off.
Matt Ashton, director of public health at Liverpool City Council, warned the “threat of a second lockdown is very real” and urged fans to celebrate responsibly.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
