Liverpool and Leeds fans ignore police warnings as they gather outside stadiums to celebrate title wins

LIVERPOOL and Leeds fans ignored police warnings by gathering outside their clubs' grounds to celebrate their league wins.

Reds supporters in Merseyside lit flares and partied as the Liverpool team bus made its way into Anfield.

Cops had told fans to respect social distancing guidelines and celebrate at home amid fears of a new coronavirus spike.

But those messages fell of deaf ears as supporters in the North West kick-started the night's celebrations - while those in Leeds did likewise.

Liverpool are celebrating winning their first league title in 30 years while Leeds won the Championship to get back into the Premier League after 16 years.

Liverpool legend Sir Kenny Dalglish and captain Jordan Henderson - who will lift the trophy after the game against Chelsea - had told fans to remain away.

But hundreds turned up to wave flags, blow car horns and sing in the streets around Enfield.

Assistant Chief Constable Natalie Perischine of Merseyside Police had said: "This is such an important night for all Liverpool fans in the city and worldwide, with the Premier League trophy to be lifted inside the stadium.

"The club and TV companies have made careful preparations to ensure that millions of people can enjoy these special moments on screen, in the comfort of their homes.

"On this occasion, the best seat in the house is in your living room. There is simply no benefit to going to the ground and we as a city cannot afford for people to gather in large numbers.

"We are all still in unprecedented times due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the last thing anyone wants is a resurgence of cases in Merseyside, with every life lost a tragedy.

"The last thing anyone wants is for all Merseyside's patience and selflessness to unravel and for lockdown measures to be reintroduced, as we have seen in other areas."

Police later issued a 48-hour dispersal order to prevent mass gatherings.

The order included the area of Anfield as well as Everton's home ground Goodison Park.

But nothing was going to stop these jubilant fans from celebrating so close to their heroes.

Liverpool will lift the trophy after their final home game of the season against Chelsea in a £1million party put on by the club.

Leeds are playing Charlton and Marcelo Bielsa's heroes will go through their own presentation after the final whistle.

Liverpool previously condemned some fans after 34 were injured - three seriously - in earlier celebrations.

Merseyside Police had put in a "comprehensive and appropriate policing operation" ahead of kick-off.

Matt Ashton, director of public health at Liverpool City Council, warned the "threat of a second lockdown is very real" and urged fans to celebrate responsibly.