- Liverpool staff Christmas party abruptly canceled over drug concerns
- The lavish meeting was held in Liverpool Cathedral on Thursday evening.
- LISTEN NOW: It’s all starting! Mount Mason? Marcus Rashford? Joshua Zirkzee? Who should Manchester United sell to raise funds?
Liverpool’s staff Christmas party at the city’s Anglican cathedral was shut down early after suspected drug paraphernalia was found in the toilets.
Venue officials had to conduct searches after a medical emergency occurred during Thursday night’s glitzy party, which was attended by around 500 club workers.
The emergency sparked fears that drugs were being taken and subsequent checks of the iconic building’s toilets uncovered a number of empty miniature zip-lock bags, often used to contain illegal substances.
As a result, the decision was made to cut short the ostentatious party.
Mail Sport understands that it later emerged that the emergency was not related to drug use.
The staff member involved was taken to hospital and is recovering well.
The Liverpool staff Christmas party was abruptly canceled after drug paraphernalia was found in the toilets.
The annual event for all non-football staff was held at the city’s famous cathedral
Liverpool Cathedral dressed in club colors for end-of-year staff function
Bands had been booked to play at the city’s Anglican Cathedral, the fifth largest in the world, and at least one performance ended early.
The bars closed about 30 minutes early, according to internal sources. After being laid off, some found alternative places to go.
Considerable expense was spent on the event, intended to give non-football staff a thank you for their work throughout the year.
None of the players or coach Arne Slot are believed to have been present.
The Church of England landmark celebrated 100 years since its consecration in 1924 and is the seat of the Bishop of Liverpool and the mother church of the Diocese of Liverpool. It is the cathedral and the largest religious building in Great Britain.
For the event, Liverpool’s crest was projected high above the chapel’s windows as the room was bathed in red light.
A Liverpool spokesperson said: “We do not condone or tolerate the use of illegal substances at any of our sites or events.
‘We thank the events team on site for their quick action and professional response to the unrelated medical emergency.
Liverpool beat Girona in the Champions League this week, days before the game
“The staff member is recovering well.”
Liverpool have had plenty to celebrate this year, with Slot’s side top of the Premier League and Champions League after a fantastic start to the season since Jurgen Klopp’s departure in the summer.
Earlier on Thursday, the players were at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital to meet young patients on their annual Christmas visit.
They will return to action on Saturday against Fulham in the Premier League.