Liverpool's Anfield stadium saw its Main Stand evacuated shortly before the scheduled kick-off of a pre-season friendly against Athletic Bilbao on Sunday. The match was due to start at 5pm, with a second fixture against the same opponents planned for 8pm.
Fans were led away from the ground after an alarm sounded as they were taking their seats. The reason for the evacuation remains unclear at present, with no further details released by the club or authorities.
The evacuation overshadowed what was meant to be Liverpool's first home match since the tragic death of striker Diogo Jota in a road accident last month. The 28-year-old and his brother Andre Silva lost their lives in a collision.
In his programme notes, captain Virgil van Dijk paid tribute to Jota, writing: "It has been a very challenging time. We will never forget Diogo, but we have to try to honour his memory. We try to be there for his family as much as we can."
Liverpool are preparing for the forthcoming Premier League campaign. Senior players including Darwin Nunez, Alexis Mac Allister, and Andy Robertson were named for the opening contest against Athletic Bilbao.
