A city councillor has called on Liverpool Football Club to take action after fireworks were set off outside a hotel where Real Madrid players were staying.
Videos shared on Twitter showed numerous fireworks being set off in close proximity to the INNSiDe Hotel on Old Hall Street in the early hours of Tuesday. Police confirmed they attended the scene at around 12.55am.
Real Madrid players arrived at the four-star hotel on Monday at around 1pm. One video shared by El Partidazo de COPE, a leading sports podcaster in Spain, showed a stream of loud fireworks going off for more than 30 seconds.
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The Reds face the Spanish giants in their Champions League last-16 tie this evening. The fixture is a rematch of last season's final in Paris, which Liverpool lost 1-0 thanks to a goal from Vinicius Junior. A spokesperson for Merseyside Police said it was illegal for people of any age to let off or throw a firework in a public place.
Now city centre Labour councillor Nick Small has urged Liverpool Football Club to take action. Taking to twitter he said: "I've been in contact with LFC's Head of Security today. This behaviour is unacceptable to neighbouring residents and businesses. The club needs to take action." Cllr Small added that action shouldn't just be left to Merseyside Police, the fire service and the city council.
Several twitter users questioned what the club could do about the situation. One said: "What action do you want the club to take? It’s not the club's fault if fans decide to do this." Another asked: "What exactly do you want the club to do mate?"
Responding, Cllr Small said: "I'm sure banning those taking part from matches would deter people."
In a statement released earlier today, Merseyside Police said: "We can confirm officers attended following reports of fireworks being set off outside a hotel in Liverpool city centre in the early hours of today (Tuesday, February 21).
"It was reported at 12.55am that a group were setting off the fireworks close to the INNSiDE Hotel on Old Hall Street. It is against the law to carry or use fireworks if you are under 18, and illegal for people of any age to let off or throw a firework in a public place."
Liverpool FC was approached for comment.
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