Merseyside Police insist Liverpool vs Bournemouth is safe kicking-off at clash of times with Grand National
Liverpool mayor Joe Anderson hit out over decision by BT Sport to switch start of match at Anfield to 15 minutes after the big race at Aintree so they can screen game live
LIVERPOOL'S Premier League clash with Bournemouth has been moved to clash with the Grand National - sparking outrage from the city's mayor.
The game between Jurgen Klopp's side against the Cherries will is the first time Liverpool have played at home on the same day as the National in 24 years.
But the decision by BT Sport to screen the April 14 game live with a 5.30pm kick-off means it will start just 15 minutes after the world famous race sets off only four miles away at Aintree.
And Liverpool mayor Joe Anderson has hit out at the broadcasters, claiming staging two such high profile sporting events so close to each other will be too much for Merseyside Police to cope with.
Anderson wrote on Twitter: "Have just seen that Liverpool v Bournemouth is to be played on Saturday 14th April at 17.30pm the same day as the Grand National.
"Need urgent meeting with @MerseyPolice they simply will not cope given the normal pressure of a Saturday #madness.
"The costs of the overtime for police will fall on the taxpayer and can the transport network cope? Seems a ridiculous decision to suit TV again."
A crowd in excess of 53,000 is expected to descend on Anfield for the game - and no Premier League match can be scheduled until it has been cleared with relevant authorities.
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But with a further 70,000-plus due to be at Aintree to watch the most famous race in the horse racing calendar, resources amongst the police and emergency services are likely to be stretched to the limit.
But Merseyside Police say they have worked closely with organisers and are confident that have enough resources to cope with the double demands.
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A force spokesperson said: "Merseyside Police is satisfied that the force has sufficient resources to provide a professional policing response to both the Grand National and the Liverpool v Bournemouth game.
"The staggered finish times of these events will assist with our policing operations, and will ensure that both race-goers and football fans can attend the respective."
An Aintree spokesman added: "As with each year, we're working closely with the police and transport providers but we don't anticipate it affecting racegoers travelling to Aintree for Grand National Day.
"People will be heading to Aintree hours before the football crowd goes to Anfield and leaving Aintree well before the football finishes, but as with every raceday, we will do everything possible to ensure the best customer experience for our racegoers when at Aintree Racecourse.
"Grand National Day is already close to sell-out but of course it's a shame for anyone who wanted to attend both events."