Liverpool release statement after false alarm leads fans to be temporarily evacuated at Anfield shortly before Athletic Club pre-season double-header

On Monday, Liverpool are playing two matches against the Spanish club at Anfield as part of their pre-season campaign. However, before the first of those two encounters, the club said a false alarm went off in the Anfield Main Stand and fans in that area were 'temporarily evacuated'. The Reds have since said the issue has been resolved and the 5pm kick-off was not pushed back.

The club wrote on X: "Shortly before 15:50pm (on Monday) there was a false alarm in the Anfield Main Stand, leading to supporters in that area of the stadium to be temporarily evacuated. Fans are now being let back into the Main Stand and there is no expected delay to KO. Thank you for everyone's co-operation."

Aside from false alarms, these fixtures are likely to be a good test for Liverpool as they get ready to defend their Premier League title in the coming months. They have spent £265 million ($359m) on players so far this summer but there is no guarantee those new recruits will all gel well together. That is why pre-season is vital for so many teams, including Liverpool.

After these two games against Athletic Club, Arne Slot's Liverpool side round off their pre-season schedule with a clash against Crystal Palace next Sunday in the FA Community Shield final at Wembley.