Liverpool: Nine fans arrested at Premier League celebrations for defying police orders
Nine people were arrested as Liverpool fans defied a police Dispersal Order to celebrate their Premier League title triumph, while four people were arrested outside Elland Road where Leeds supporters gathered to honour their Championship triumph.
Despite being urged by Merseyside Police, Liverpool Football Club, the City Council and the Spirit of Shankly supporters’ group to stay away from Anfield on Wednesday night, large numbers defied authorities to join in the celebrations as Liverpool lifted the Premier League trophy - despite no fans being allowed inside the stadium.
To try and avoid a repeat of the scenes witnessed at the end of last month at Anfield and in the city centre, Merseyside Police implemented a 48-hour Dispersal Order to prevent fans from hanging around Anfield, but many ignored the exclusion zone with fireworks and flares set off throughout the night.
Assistant Chief Constable Natalie Perischine, from Merseyside Police, said: "Officers made a total of nine arrests outside Anfield last night for affray, assault, people who were drunk and disorderly and drug-driving.
"The vast majority of the crowd were good-natured and had dispersed by 2am.
"Thankfully we didn't see the sort of incidents of disorder and criminal damage we saw at the Pier Head on 27 June, the investigation into which has seen more than 20 arrests made to date.
"If you did witness any criminal or anti-social behaviour last night, let us know and we will investigate fully."
Meanwhile, West Yorkshire Police have said that four people were arrested at Elland Road following Leeds United’s final Championship game of the season, where the club were celebrating their return to the Premier League after a 16-year wait following their title triumph.
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