Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has criticised thousands of fans who gathered to celebrate the club’s league title, urging them to instead do so “in a safe way”.

Supporters flooded the city’s Pier Head for a second night of celebrations after the club became champions of England for the first time in 30 years on Thursday.

Police made a number of arrests and bottles were thrown at officers as the celebrations continued in the city centre into the early hours.

An estimated £10,000 of damage was caused to the Liver Building after a firework landed on a balcony.

In an open letter to the Liverpool Echo newspaper, Klopp wrote of his love for fans’ passion for the game and thanked them and the city for helping the club to win its first ever Premier League title.

But he added: “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.”

He continued: “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.”

Manchester City’s loss on Thursday handed Liverpool their 19th league title, behind Manchester United on 20 – though the Merseysiders can claim to be English football’s most successful club with more major honours through the years.

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