Liverpool caught in drug controversy as Christmas party shut down

Robin Bairner

• Updated: 14 Dec 2024 10:55 CST
• 2 min read

Liverpool have been caught in a drugs storm after the club’s staff Christmas party was shut down early, according to reports.

Arne Slot’s side are flying high at the top of the Premier League standings.

However, the staff Christmas party on Thursday, which none of the players nor the manager are believed to have attended, is at the heart of a storm, with the Daily Mail reporting that it was ended prematurely as “suspected drug paraphernalia was found in the toilets”.

A medical emergency was the trigger for the drama.

The Mail reports: “The emergency triggered concerns that drugs were being taken and subsequent checks of the toilets at the iconic building unearthed a number of empty miniature re-sealable bags, which are often used to contain illegal substances.

“As a result, the decision was then taken to cut the glitzy party short.”

Liverpool’s response

Liverpool responded via a spokesperson, who said: “We do not condone or tolerate the use of illegal substances at any of our sites or events.

“We thank the events team at the venue for their swift action and professional response to the medical emergency which was unrelated.

“The member of staff is recovering well.”

Around 5,000 people were thought to have been at the event, which took place at the city’s Anglican cathedral.

Despite the drama, it will not take the shine off what has been an outstanding start to the campaign for the Anfield club, who have suffered only one defeat across all competitions.

Slot has steered the team cleverly through a potentially difficult transition period, though harder times could be ahead as the club continues to sweat over new deals for Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah, three of their most valuable players.