A man who launched a firework at the Royal Liver Building has avoided jail.
Matthew Egglesden pleaded guilty to arson after deliberately aiming a rocket at the city’s iconic landmark during ugly scenes at the Pier Head on June 26.
Thousands descended on the waterfront to celebrate Liverpool’s Premier League title victory despite mass gathering restrictions remaining in effect.
Social media images from the event showed Egglesden as the culprit behind a rocket which caused nearly £30,000 damage to the Grade I-listed building.
Several fires broke out on the balcony at 10.20pm, which firefighters quickly tackled before being forced to withdraw due to further fireworks being aimed.
Bottles were also thrown in the Liver Building’s direction amid false claims that it had been illuminated blue in support of Everton FC, one of its tenants.
On Friday, Egglesden was handed a suspended 12-month sentence, ordered to do 15 days of rehabilitation activity and 100 hours of community service.
The 19-year-old must separately pay £3,000 compensation to the Liver Building’s owners and a further £3,183 to Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service.
Judge Andrew Menary condemned Egglesden, from Scarisbrick, for actively participating in the disorder which tarnished Liverpool’s title celebrations.
He said: “You weren’t the only one targeting the building in that way. It seems that every time a firework hit the building, the crowd cheered.
“This was utterly outrageous and shameful behaviour by everybody involved.
“Such vandalism brings shame on Liverpool Football Club, it impacts on the reputation of the city worldwide and because of your involvement as well, it brings utter shame on you.
“There may have been stupid supporters cheering your actions that night.
“But I am sure that the vast majority of Liverpool supporters, within this city and worldwide, will be appalled by your actions.
“They risked tarnishing the club’s remarkable achievements this year in the Premier League.”