Liverpool lift Premier League trophy; fans pour out on streets to celebrate despite virus warnings

Liverpool's players finally got their hands on the Premier League trophy on Wednesday in a muted presentation ceremony in front of an empty Kop after a thrilling 5-3 victory over Chelsea in their last home game of the season. But fans gathered on streets and outside the stadium defying the warnings due to coronavirus pandemic.

The club's first English title for 30 years had been sealed almost a month ago with seven games remaining, following a three-month stoppage because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Kenny Dalglish, the last Liverpool manager to deliver the title, presented the medals wearing a red face mask before handing the trophy to captain Jordan Henderson who raised it to the night sky as fireworks and tickertape filled the air.

Sadly, because of the pandemic that interrupted Liverpool's charge to the title, the fans missed out on what would have been a momentous night at Anfield stadium.

Thousands of supporters gathered in the streets, letting off flares and fireworks to celebrate the club's first top-flight title in 30 years and defied the warnings due to coronavirus pandemic.

Merseyside Police said the 48-hour order is to prevent potential disorder.

Despite the sanitised ceremony in the 53,000-seater stadium, Liverpool's players did their best to fill the void, belting out a rendition of the club's anthem "You'll Never Walk Alone" along with manager Juergen Klopp and his staff.

"If you don't see that we do it for you I can't help you," Klopp said when asked for his message to the fans.

"You made us happy, we all should celebrate at home. Prepare for a party and when this virus has gone we will have a party."

A trophy presentation without fans was always going to feel a little flat, although the real fireworks have been provided over a sensational season by a superb Liverpool side.

Liverpool missed out by a point last year to Manchester City despite losing only one game.

Although they won the Champions League title last June, the English crown is what the red half of Merseyside has craved for three decades.

During that time they have watched arch-rivals Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City dominate the league.

The manner in which Liverpool took it back suggests it will not be a one-off.