Liverpool’s Anfield stadium was reportedly evacuated just minutes before a friendly game against Athletic Bilbao.
The reigning Premier League champions were due to face the Spanish team in their first match back in their home ground since last season. The iconic stadium was evacuated around an hour before the match was scheduled to begin, according to the Liverpool Echo.
Social media was swarmed with images of large groups of fans standing outside the Main Stand, having been asked to leave their seats. It is not yet known if kick-off will be delayed as a result of the evacuation.
In one video, a public announcement was heard blaring over the stadium speakers in the background. It said: “Attention please, attention please. Please leave the building immediately.”
Fans were pictured leaving the grounds (Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Another fan wrote on X: “Outside Anfield after the main Main Stand has been evacuated due to an alarm. Liverpool v Athletic Club is supposed to kick off at 5pm.”
It will also be the club’s first match since the tragic death of Liverpool legend Diogo Jota an his brother in a car accident. In the match programme, manager Arne Slot paid a touching tribute.
He said: “It will be great to be back at Anfield for the first time since we lifted the Premier League trophy back in May, and we are all looking forward to that. Of course, we know that this will also be an emotional occasion, being the first time that we have played at home since we lost Diogo.
“I know that you will want to pay your tributes before, during and after the games, and I know that we will hear his song ringing out throughout the evening. It has been a tough time for everyone connected with the club, but especially for Diogo’s family, his wife, his children and friends.
It was Liverpool’s first game back since losing Diogo Jota (Image: PA)
“We cannot imagine the pain that they have been going through, and the club will continue to give them all the support they can going forward. We will always carry him with us in our hearts, in our thoughts, wherever we go.”
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