Video: Jubilant Liverpool fans condemned for wild title celebrations as firework hits building & causes fire

The Mayor of Liverpool, Joe Anderson, has condemned the behaviour of a selection of supporters that overstepped the mark in celebrating the Reds' first title win in 30 years.

The raucous scenes that have been shared across social media display fans ignoring social-distancing measures as celebrations continued into a second night despite warnings from the city council and the police.

One particularly concerning video shows the Liver Building in the city, that houses Everton club offices and had been lit up in blue that evening, being directly hit by a firework.

Smoke was seen coming from the building and, although the full extent of any damage is not yet known, Merseyside fire and rescue confirmed the following, as quoted by the Liverpool Echo: "We were alerted to a small fire on a patch of astroturf. Firefighters have dealt with the incident and the fire is now out."

Flares were also being set off within the crowds of people and those supporters involved in the celebrations have been criticised for the rubbish that was left in the city overnight.

Jurgen Klopp's side were confirmed as Premier League champions on Thursday as Manchester City suffered defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, meaning Liverpool can't now be caught at the top of the table.

The Reds boss and his players were together at the Formby Hall golf resort to watch the match, with jubilant scenes greeting the full-time whistle as the squad celebrated their incredible achievement together.

A selection of fans took to the streets of Liverpool to revel in the joy of the title win, with Merseyside police forced to issue a warning over a repeat of those scenes amid the risks of the coronavirus pandemic and a possible second wave.

Indeed, assistant chief constable Jon Roy urged supporters to stay at home and wait for official celebrations to be arranged before gathering together in large groups.

He said, in a statement issued on June 26: "It's fantastic that the city has something good to celebrate and something to be proud of.

"Last night the overwhelming majority of fans celebrated in the confines of their own home and we thank them for listening to the messages put out by ourselves, LFC, Spirit of Shankly, the NHS and Liverpool City Council, and for being a credit to the city.

"In the days ahead, we urge supporters, and the Merseyside public in general, to do the right thing and celebrate safely with members of your household and in your social bubble. By doing this you keep yourself, your family, friends and neighbours safe.

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"This is our opportunity to show the rest of the country, and even the world, why this city is revered for its ability to come together in challenging times and do the right thing.

“We understand people want to celebrate Liverpool becoming Premier League champions for the first time in 30 years, and the time will come when fans can celebrate together with the team and applaud their achievement, but now is not that time."

Liverpool city council had also issued the following warning on social media: "Celebrations are continuing into a second evening in Liverpool - but please remember that #COVID19 still poses a threat. It’s vital that you keep your distance from others who are not in your household."

But following the scenes in the city centre on Friday night, mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson expressed his frustration at what had been witnessed the night before.

He wrote on social media: "More in sorrow than anger, like most LFC fans and residents I condemn those that brought a negative focus on Liverpool FC and our City.

"The pictures and videos showing people's behaviour is being talked about instead of the fantastic achievement of LFC. Thank you to those fans who have listened."

Metro Mayor of Liverpool Steve Rotheram also attempted to get across the seriousness of the situation, adding: "Nobody is more made up than me to see LFC champions again but this is dangerous.

"We're not saying this to be party poopers but hundreds of people have already died in our region because of Coronavirus. Until it's safe for us to come together to, please celebrate at home."

UPDATE: Liverpool have released the following statement regarding the celebrations over the last two days...

"Throughout the last week, Liverpool Football Club, Merseyside Police, Liverpool City Council and Spirit of Shankly have worked together to consistently remind people that the region is still disproportionately affected by the Covid-19 pandemic and ask people to celebrate LFC’s Premier League title win safely.

"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."