Liverpool supporters were reportedly forced to leave Anfield as the stadium was evacuated before Monday’s game against Athletic Bilbao. The reigning Premier League champions returned to their home ground for the first time since the end of last season for back-to-back friendlies against their Spanish opponents. However, there was some confusion prior to kick-off.
The stadium was evacuated around an hour before the match was scheduled to begin, according to the Liverpool Echo. Images on social media showed 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.”
Alarms were also sounded as supporters made their way out of the stadium. Those who were asked to leave their seats were allowed to return after around 20 minutes, according to El Correo.
The occasion marked Liverpool’s first games at Anfield since the death of Diogo Jota and the matchday programme was full of tributes to the former Reds man.
In a message to supporters, manager Arne Slot wrote: “It has been a tough time for everyone connected with the club, but especially for Diogo’s family, his wife, his children and friends.
“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.
“Diogo’s passing has had a big impact on us all, but what has been so important has been the love and care shown from the football world, and in particular of course the Liverpool FC community.
“At Anfield, at the AXA Training Centre, at Preston North End and on our recent tour of Hong Kong and Japan, we really felt what Diogo meant to everyone and how together our fans are.”
“I want to mention the strength and the courage of my players here, too. They have found themselves in one of the toughest positions imaginable.
“But the way they have come together and the way they have conducted themselves, on and off the pitch, is a credit to them and to this football club. We really couldn’t have asked more of the boys and I am extremely proud of them all.”