Jurgen Klopp has condemned the ugly scenes around Liverpool’s Premier League celebrations.
Hundreds of supporters defied social distancing measures to gather outside Anfield on Thursday night to celebrate the Reds’ long-awaited title triumph.
Several thousands more descended on the Pier Head a day later and led to widespread disorder including fireworks being launched at the Royal Liver Building.
Two men have already been charged by police in connection with the events on the city’s waterfront last week including one count of arson.
The Reds labelled the behaviour as ‘wholly unacceptable’ and reaffirmed their message that fans should stay at home during the Covid-19 pandemic.
In an open letter to fans published in Monday’s Liverpool Echo, Klopp also has lamented the mass gathering which marred his side’s festivities.
He said: “What I did not love – and I have to say this – was the scenes that took place at the Pier Head on Friday.
“I am a human being and your passion is also my passion but right now the most important thing is that we do not have these kind of public gatherings.
“We owe it to the most vulnerable in our community, to the health workers who have given so much and whom we have applauded and to the police and local authorities who help us as a club not to do this.
“Please – celebrate – but celebrate in a safe way and in private settings, whereby we do not risk spreading this awful disease further in our community.
“If things were different I would love nothing more than to celebrate together, to have a parade that would be even bigger than the one after we won the Champions League last year, so that we could all share this special moment but it just is not possible.
“We have all done so much to fight COVID-19 and this effort cannot go to waste.
“We owe it to ourselves and each other to do what is right and at this moment that means being together and being there for one another by being apart.
“When the time is right we will celebrate. We will enjoy this moment and we will paint the city red. But for now, please stay at home as much as possible.
“This is not the time to be in the city centre in big numbers or to go near football grounds.”