Liverpool urge fans to keep pyrotechnics away from Premier League victory parade

Liverpool Football Club have urged supporters not to bring pyrotechnics to the club’s victory parade on Monday, after 50 incidents of burning were reported after their title-winning victory against Tottenham last month.

Medical staff from Alder Hey hospital and local police have endorsed the club’s message, reporting that children visited A&E with burns to their hands and scalps after contact with burning flares after the Spurs game.

The parade is set to follow the same route through the city as the victory parade of 2022, when St John Ambulance reported 84 injuries and 12 people went to hospital as fans celebrated winning an FA Cup and League Cup double.

“We want our supporters to enjoy a fantastic occasion and celebrate our 20th league title win in style through the city streets, but we want it be safe for everyone,” said Paul Cuttill, Liverpool’s vice-president of stadium operations.

“We’ve seen young children suffering burns injuries as a result of the use of pyrotechnics and, together with our city partners, are taking a responsible approach to highlight just how dangerous they are.

“All of us here at the club want a safe parade that everyone can enjoy and be able to see the joy on the faces of the fans as the victory bus makes its way across the city. Let’s make this a day to remember for everyone involved.”

Liverpool reported an “increase in the use of pyrotechnics, including flares, smoke bombs and fireworks in recent weeks” and said a three-year-old child had been among the burn victims after the Spurs match. Pyrotechnics generally burn at temperatures between 700C and 2,500C and can cause burns from direct contact or from being in close proximity.

Nathan Askew, chief nurse at Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We know that Monday will be a fantastic day for all Liverpool fans, but over the past few years we have seen several children and young people who have needed hospital treatment after using pyrotechnics or flares.

“Pyrotechnics and flares can cause serious injuries to children, including severe burns, breathing problems and damage to lungs, ears and eyes. Burns are both painful and distressing for children who don’t recognise or understand the dangers. We would ask anyone attending to enjoy the day, but please do so safely.”