Video emerges of Liverpool fans throwing missiles at police and shoving officers whilst celebrating their Premier League title win.
The Mayor of Liverpool, Joe Anderson, uploaded a clip of the violence and said that 300 fans ‘fought for over two hours’ with police before it all subsided in the early hours of Saturday morning.
More than 1,000 fans gathered in the city centre and police confirmed 15 arrests were made.
@MerseyPolice Police officers were attacked Last night and injured they are public servants doing their job. Absolutely shocking behaviour no excuses if any body knows anyone please identify them to the Police. 300 fought with Police on Strand for over 2 hours. #shameful pic.twitter.com/YoEERZqcld
— Joe Anderson (@mayor_anderson) June 27, 2020
Anderson said he was left disgusting as well as heartbroken by what he was seeing and believes the ‘mindless behaviour’ has damaged the city’s reputation.
The viral footage shows police being pushed and struck by objects after they have one man restrained on the floor. Towards the end, some individuals step in to help the police and diffuse the situation.
Liverpool win the League, so to celebrate they stab their own fans…
NOT REMOTELY SHOCKED.pic.twitter.com/ypEPghLJ0f— LordScottBrianLindquist (@lindquist_lord) June 27, 2020
In a statement released on Saturday, Chief Constable Andy Cooke said: “One man was arrested for assault after another man suffered head injuries. The injured male was taken to hospital where he remains in a serious condition. Two officers also suffered minor injuries after missiles were thrown at them by people in the crowd.
“The crowds dispersed from the Pier Head at around 1:30am. But soon after there were reports of further crowd issues in other parts of the city centre. Officers intervened but again missiles were thrown at them.
“In total 15 people, at the Pier Head and in the city centre, were arrested for various offences including public order offences, drunk and disorderly and affray.”
The gatherings, including the one outside Anfield on Thursday night after the league title was confirmed, have been condemned with an anger at the disregard for social distancing rules amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Jamie Carragher was spotted mixing in with supporters, which has provoked Twitter users to get him sacked by Sky Sports.
When there are no team coaches to attack, then why not attack the blue lights on one of your own buildings.
Ladies and Gentlemen I give you Liverpool fans, being Liverpool fans… pic.twitter.com/rIKPvcuAaG— BlueMoaner (@BlueMoaner) June 27, 2020
“I cannot stress enough that these gatherings put an unnecessary strain on our emergency services and could mean that we might not be able to get to other people who really need us,’ Cooke added.
“In the coming days we will be reviewing CCTV and Body Worn Camera footage to identify those involved in criminal and anti social behaviour and we will be issuing images through the media to find those responsible. I would urge anyone who has any information about those involved to contact us.
“We are still in a public health crisis and we need to work together with the public of Merseyside to prevent the further spread of Covid-19.’
Following sharing the video, Mayor Anderson added in the police statement: “An occasion for celebration has been turned instead into headlines of disgraceful behaviour.
“Our city is, rightly, proud of the phenomenal success of one of our football teams. But the time for public celebration in crowds is not now. Our city remains in the grip of a major public health crisis and this behaviour is wholly unacceptable. Let me be clear – lives are at risk.
“Seeing thousands of people congregating at the Pier Head into the early hours and the ugly scenes shared on social media afterwards was heartbreaking to see. Fireworks, flares and tons of litter, amount to nothing but disrespect for our city.
“This mindless behaviour has the potential to damage Liverpool’s reputation – both the club’s and the city. I don’t believe this is how the team would like their achievement to be remembered.”
Liverpool Football Club put out a joint statement: “Several thousand people turned up at the Pier Head on Friday June 26 and some chose to ignore the social distancing guidance and risk public safety.
“Our city is still in a public health crisis and this behaviour is wholly unacceptable.
“The potential danger of a second peak of Covid-19 still exists and we need to work together to make sure we don’t undo everything that has been achieved as a region during lockdown.
“When it is safe to do so, we will all work together to arrange a victory parade when everyone can come together to celebrate. Until that time, the safety of our city and our people continues to be our number one priority.”
Fans reacted after a video emerges of Liverpool fans throwing missiles at police and shoving officers…
A pity the civil servants responsible for management of Liverpool’s public’s spaces, health and safety of the public in Liverpool did not use foresight & plan accordingly. You will always have a percentage of unlawfull behaviour but it’s your job to manage and plan accordingly
— Paul brown (@pdbsba) June 27, 2020
Defend this. Go on. Make up an excuse, blame the minority. Blame the out of control firework, tell us you where in bed. Time after time, you’ve disgraced this city and its name. Scouse not english, you’ve behaved like england fans abroad.
— Dan_14 (@DanManning1878) June 27, 2020
*some Liverpool fans actually helping the police and stopping them as well there Joe. Lots of people shouting stop it. Feel your fueling the problem by continually highlighting the bad. You should forward it the police not be plastering it on twitter.
— Robbie Hughes (@RobbieYozHughes) June 27, 2020
Absolutely spot on. The fact they can’t obey the rules means they shouldnt get a parade!
Last nights behaviour was an absolute disgrace, but then again what do you expect from Liverpool fans!
I’m surprised they haven’t said it was Everton fans tbh. But it’s early yet!
— Sam Linin (@DirtyHarry1982) June 27, 2020
Kopite Excuse Bingo coming up, It was a stray knife, stray bottle, provocation by grade 1 listed building, photoshop by everton fans etc
— those who know (@DelSantoDomingo) June 27, 2020
Absolutely disgusting.
People have seen the BLM rioters attack police and nothing happen so they are jumping on the anti police bandwagon that the media have encouraged.
This is disgusting and they should all be arrested and jailed— SB1 (@StirlingBlue1) June 27, 2020
I’m a Liverpool fan and couldn’t agree more with this.
— StuEdwards (@Frontloudspkr) June 27, 2020
Why wait till dark when thousands had massed to break it up though Joe?
Why didn’t you and Chief Constable send officers down there to stop the congregating earlier in the day before it got out of hand?
Not having a go, I’m genuinely asking.
— Steve Harrison* (@AintreeIron) June 27, 2020
Joe my brother is the ginger guy lying on the floor, he’s now in hospital in bad way. The police have one guy and cctv footage of the attack by multiple people. These people need to be named and shamed for what they have done.
— Chris D (@Mightyblue1878) June 27, 2020
Genuinely shocked and saddened to see this footage, even more so to hear the person filming, laugh when the Policemen came under attack. I hope the Police all got home safely to their families.
— Ditchburn Trucks (@DitchburnTrucks) June 28, 2020
Disgraceful to see from “so called Liverpool fans”. Unfortunately every club in every country attracts people who are undesirable and can’t behave themselves no matter what the occasion or the environment. Sorry the police had to endure this
— paul cassidy (@casso69) June 27, 2020
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