Watch Liverpool vs Chelsea and the trophy lift live on Sky Pick, Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event from 8pm on Wednesday; Kick-off 8.15pm
Tuesday 21 July 2020 18:46, UK
Liverpool are urging supporters to stay away from Anfield on Wednesday night as they prepare to lift their first Premier League trophy.
Jurgen Klopp's side host Chelsea behind closed doors in their final home game of the season, live on Sky Sports, which will be followed by the trophy being lifted and medal presentation on a special podium built on the Kop.
All parties are keen to avoid a repeat of last month when thousands descended on the ground, and the following day the city centre, as the club's long-awaited first title in 30 years was confirmed.
Liverpool, working alongside Merseyside Police, Liverpool City Council and Spirit of Shankly Together are urging fans to watch the game at home and keep themselves, their families, friends and neighbours safe.
Club captain Jordan Henderson, currently sidelined with a knee injury, used his programme notes ahead of the match to urge fans to be responsible.
"I cannot say clearly enough it is critically important you stay away from Anfield and enjoy celebrating with us in your own way, at home," he wrote.
"The city of Liverpool has been hit hard by Covid-19 and it's important we support our healthcare heroes - the emergency services and key workers - by listening to the advice and staying away from gatherings which aren't safe.
"I promise you: we will feel you with us when we lift that trophy, even though you're not at Anfield in person.
"We are lifting it for you - you've driven us to achieving this dream - but this club's values are about taking care of each other and that means supporting us from home and in safe environments."
Matt Ashton, Director of Public Health at Liverpool City Council, has also reinforced the health concerns, saying: "It's a real shame fans can't be here to see the trophy be lifted but what it shows is that some things are more important than football right now.
"The coronavirus is still in circulation within our communities so it is vital that we continue to avoid large gatherings, to protect each other, our families and the NHS. The threat of a second lockdown is very real.
"Hopefully the city will be able to mark this achievement more publicly in the near future. Until then, avoid any big crowds and enjoy the Reds being crowned Premier League champions."
Meanwhile, Merseyside Police have warned that if guidance is not followed around Anfield or in the city centre, "additional measures" could be used to disperse supporters.
"We are still in a public health crisis and I urge people to watch the match at home or in a local pub if there is space, but please don't put yourselves, your loved ones and others at risk of contracting this virus by ignoring the current advice not to gather in large groups," chief constable Andy Cooke said.
"My officers will take action if people don't adhere to social distancing regulations and potentially put other members of the public at risk.
"We understand the desire to celebrate, show the team our appreciation and have a massive party but now is not the time for celebration.
"We have waited 30 years so a few more months isn't too much to ask."
Sky Sports Fanzone will be made available to everyone for Liverpool vs Chelsea and the Premier League trophy lift on Wednesday evening, whether you're a Sky Sports subscriber or not.
Sky Sports will show Liverpool's game against Chelsea (kick-off 8.15pm) and the presentation of the Premier League trophy free to air on Sky Pick, where Liverpool's players and staff will be presented with their medals and the Premier League trophy on a special podium built on the Kop, surrounded by fan banners.
And all Liverpool supporters will be able to have their own Premier League title party at home and the ability to watch with family and friends thanks to Sky Sports Fanzone.
Whether you're a Sky Sports subscriber or not, everyone will be able to use a new feature on the Sky Sports website on your phone (optimised on iOS for iPhone 8 and above), laptop or PC to watch select matches with friends in a video room and interact while the action unfolds, giving them the chance to chat about the match and influence the crowd noise they hear on screen. It will run from an hour before the game until an hour after the game.
