Cops want Liverpool clincher on neutral field

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND » Liverpool might not win the English Premier League at Anfield after police included the leader’s key games among at least five it wants at neutral venues in a bid to prevent fans from gathering outside when the competition resumes.

Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp hopes authorities will allow them to play at home as planned, with supporters adhering to advice while they are prevented from attending games due to COVID-19 restrictions.

“I’m pretty sure that we could solve the situation,” Klopp told beIN Sports. “We have the best home fans in the world, so we should maybe now say the best stay-at-home fans in the world.”

Police originally wanted neutral venues for all 92 remaining games but the plan was opposed by the clubs — particularly those trying to avoid relegation.

The league plans to resume on June 17 after a 100-day shutdown to contain the coronavirus pandemic, pending final approval from government, which is trying to prevent a second spike in cases.

Police don’t object to the games on that Wednesday night being played at Manchester City and Aston Villa.

But police want the derby between Everton and Liverpool to be played away from Merseyside a few days later. The game was originally scheduled at Goodison Park. Liverpool, which leads by 25 points with nine games remaining, could clinch the title by beating Everton if second-placed City loses to Arsenal on June 17.

If the 30-year title drought doesn’t end that day, police want Liverpool’s next game, against Crystal Palace, to be played away from Anfield.

Greater Manchester Police have already determined Liverpool’s third game back against Manchester City should be staged away from Etihad Stadium.

Liverpool’s fourth game back is against Aston Villa, currently scheduled at Anfield.