Local police 'ready' to host any Liverpool match
Local police have said they might be "ready" to carry any possible Liverpool Premier League title-clinching match at Anfield, regardless of the UK's football policing lead suggesting otherwise.
On Friday, Deputy Chief Constable Mark Roberts of South Yorkshire Police, said games, including any match where Liverpool can seal the title, will be moved at local forces' request.
The Premier League is set to resume on June 17 carrying out a three-month suspension as a result of coronavirus pandemic.
The Merseyside derby and Liverpool's visit to defending champions Manchester City were among the games Roberts said could be hosted at neutral venues.
But Merseyside Police later said it was pleased to police any match held at Anfield or Everton's Goodison Park.
"Merseyside Police is preparing to provide whatever policing is necessary of us with regards to games being played at our Premier League stadia once the season restarts," the force said in a statement to the Liverpool Echo.
"In relation to crime and disorder we have no objections to the Everton or Liverpool home fixtures being played at their respective grounds.
"We have an excellent working relationship with both clubs, and their fan groups, and are content that we could work together before the restart of the growing season."
Manchester City's home match against Newcastle and Liverpool's visit to St James' Park were also reported to be at risk, but Greater Manchester Police said a decision was yet to be made.
"A decision will be produced by the SAGs (safety advisory groups) in due course and we'll support whichever outcome is set," it said.
- 'Home and away, where possible' -
The subject is set to be discussed again when Premier League clubs meet on June 4 to finalise plans for the restart.
The Premier League released a statement saying its ambition was to complete the season on a home-and-away basis "where possible".
"We are ready for all outcomes and also have a neutral venue contingency," it added.
Liverpool are two wins from claiming an initial league title in 30 years, having sat 25 points free from Man City when the growing season was halted in March.
Manager Jurgen Klopp on Friday had said he was still hopeful his team could lift the trophy at Anfield.
"We hope it'll be at Anfield but we have no idea, and that is not important," he told beIN SPORTS' Keys & Gray Show.
"Most of the people on this planet haven't had a chance in life to be champion of the Premier League, for all of us it looks like that people have that chance. So we take it."
Europe's biggest four leagues are all set to complete their seasons, with the Bundesliga already back under way in Germany, Spain's La Liga hoping to resume on June 11, and Serie A scheduled for a June 18 restart in Italy.
