An independent report into the planning of the Liverpool FC victory parade revealed the scale of injuries suffered in May last year
Around 1.2 million people lined the streets of Liverpool to watch the LFC victory parade in May last year
Around 1.2 million people lined the streets of Liverpool to watch the LFC victory parade in May last year(Image: Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo)
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Almost 150 people were injured during Liverpool FC’s title parade last summer before the traumatic events on Water Street. Around 1.2 million people lined the streets of the city in May 2025 to toast the Reds’ Premier League title victory.
In the aftermath of the major celebrations, an independent report was commissioned to assess what could have been improved and what went well on the day. The scope of the investigation did not include the horrific scenes later in the evening as this was the subject of criminal proceedings.
Paul Doyle, 54, of Burghill Road in West Derby, was jailed for 21 years and six months last year after he admitted a total of 31 charges relating to the day in question.
However, the findings by event safety expert Eric Stuart have revealed the scale of the injuries occurred during the parade itself. Up to 146 people were treated on the day, with more than a third of those being aged under 18.
Mr Stuart’s findings recorded that planning for the parade had been “detailed and effective” and the city “could and should” hold events of its kind again. However the use of flares and smoke was highlighted as a significant factor in the number of people hurt during the day.
In his 65-page assessment, Mr Stuart, a former police officer, said: “I note for the first time in this report a specific figure of 23 minor injuries that were flare-related. Worryingly, 18 of those patients were under the age of 18.
The report found 146 people had been injured on the day of the parade before the horror that unfolded on Water Street
The report found 146 people had been injured on the day of the parade before the horror that unfolded on Water Street(Image: Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo)
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“The additional planning time for those attending probably gave them more opportunities to purchase smoke [bombs] and flares in advance.” Of the 146 people injured on the day prior to 6pm, 48 were reported to be minors, which Mr Stuart described as a “significant and worrying percentage.”
He added: “Of those presenting, the highest single cause of injury is minor burns or moderate burns (22).
"Of significant note is that even without the post-parade incident figures, the numbers treated in 2025 are a significant rise on those in 2022 when LFC celebrated their two domestic cup wins, 84, an almost 75% increase.”
Mr Stuart wrote: “It seems that the attitude of many fans globally is now one of: ‘No Pyro, No Party.’ This does not relate just to Liverpool or even to football, having spread into parts of the music industry as well.
“It is hard to predict where or how this problem might be resolved, but it does seem to be on the increase and needs resolution before a significant injury or death occurs.”
Liverpool Council leader Liam Robinson confirmed he would write to the Home Secretary with the contents of the report and push for further legislation to clamp down on public use of pyrotechnics, which are banned in football stadiums and enclosed areas already.
During the event, 146 patients were treated, with 11 taken to the hospital by St John Ambulance. No figures are given for those transported by other means including Northwest Ambulance Service (NWAS), who may have dealt with others.