Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp joined Merseyside Police chief constable, Andy Cooke, today in urging supporters to stay away from Anfield.
The Reds' home ground will stage their penultimate Premier League match of the season, against Chelsea, before the captain Jordan Henderson and his team are presented with the Premier League trophy on the famous Kop.
The club's supporters have waited thirty years to see a Liverpool captain lift a league trophy once again but, speaking ahead of Klopp's pre-match press conference, Cooke reminded them that Covid-19 still poses a serious danger.
"I'm not just here as the chief constable of Merseyside Police today," said Cooke.
"I’m here as a father, husband, son and brother who cares about their family and friends and the potential impact a second spike of coronavirus could have on the people of Merseyside.
"This pandemic has not gone away and since the restart of the Premier League, we’ve worked relentlessly with Liverpool FC, public health [bodies], and Spirit of Shankly to remind people of the genuine dangers this virus still presents.
"I know we’ve seen the relaxation of lockdown, but you’ve only got to pick up a newspaper or switch on the TV to see that other areas of the country, including areas close to home, are having to reintroduce restrictions following a rise in the number of Covid cases."
Liverpool supporters celebrate as they gather outside of Anfield Stadium in Liverpool, England, Thursday, June 25, 2020 after Liverpool clinched the English Premier League title. Liverpool took the title after Manchester City failed to beat Chelsea on Wednesday evening. (AP photo/Jon Super)On the night Liverpool were confirmed as Premier League champions, after Chelsea beat Manchester City last month, supporters gathered around Anfield and in the city centre to celebrate.
Cooke has warned supporters that the police will take action if the social distancing regulations are not adhered to on the night.
"I’m really proud of this city and it’s no secret that I’m also a Liverpool supporter, but my duty to the city and the communities of Merseyside will always come first," added Cooke.
"Yes, there have been large gatherings in other cities, including illegal raves, but that doesn’t mean we have to follow suit.
"Liverpool has always been known as a city that cares and comes together in a crisis; we’re still in that public health crisis and I’d urge people to watch the match at home, or in the local pub if there’s space.
"But please, don’t put yourselves, loved ones, and others at risk of contracting this virus by ignoring the current advice not to gather in large groups.
"We will have a full policing operation in place at the ground and surrounding areas tomorrow night and my officers will take action if people fail to adhere to social distancing regulations and potentially put other members of the public at risk.
"Both the club and the city council have said there’ll be a celebration when it’s safe to do so.
"Yes, we understand the desire to celebrate and show the team our appreciation and have a massive party, but now is not the time for celebration.
"We’ve waited 30 years, so a few more months isn’t too much to ask.
"Too many people have lost their lives already, so please let’s work together to keep our families, friends and neighbours safe.
"Please, listen to LFC, listen to Mr. Klopp and the players, and trust them when they say that the celebration will come. That day really is not tomorrow."
Klopp already urged fans to "celebrate in a safe way" last month after scenes of pandemonium were caught on camera, with reports of violent confrontations and an incident of a small fire in the Liver Building which was caused by a firework.
Ahead of the match against Chelsea at Anfield, the German asked supporters not to put other peoples lives at risk by gathering in celebration.
"I agree 100 per cent, thank you very much for these words," said Klopp.
"It's very important that we remind ourselves again that, even though some things changed obviously - thank God - we are not through this.
"We have to make sure that we don't put anyone at risk, that's what we try constantly and what everybody should try."
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