An independent assessment of the event said it was thought pyrotechnics were most likely imported from Spain
Liverpool Premier League Champions parade on the waterfront. Photo by Colin Lane
The Liverpool Premier League Champions parade on the waterfront. Photo by Colin Lane(Image: Liverpool Echo)
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Smoke grenades thought to be imported from Spain were sold on the street during Liverpool FC’s title parade, leading to people being injured, an independent report has found. A 65-page assessment into last summer’s event laid on by Liverpool Council identified that smoke at the levels seen at the parade may “become a factor at events that needs to be taken far more seriously than currently seems to be the case around the UK and at a government level.”
Crowd safety expert Eric Stuart, who compiled the findings into last May’s celebrations, said it was “worrying” to read reports of “open sale” of pyrotechnics on the street, “with people carrying bags full of smoke and pyro.” The density of smoke also caused the players’ bus to end up on the wrong side of the road.
Mr Stuart’s analysis said smoke and flares were the leading cause of injuries on the day of the parade, prior to the horrific scenes on Water Street, with 23 cases reported. He said the use of flares also endangered children.
The report found how the attitude of many fans globally is one of “no pyro, no party.” He said: “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. Flares are clearly inherently dangerous, as can be demonstrated through the number of burns that occurred at the event, especially to those in the under-18 age group.”
A sea of red plumes were seen throughout the day and Mr Stuart’s analysis said the source of the smoke grenades is unknown, but the general view was that most are imported from Spain and other parts of Europe. The report added how no red smoke devices were available from Spain for weeks in advance of the parade, “ thus indicating that such levels might have been anticipated.”
Liver buliding during the Liverpool Premier League Champions parade on May 26, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
The Royal Liver Building during the Liverpool Premier League Champions parade on May 26, 2025 (Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)(Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
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Staff reported blowing their noses three to four days after the event and still producing red mucus. PPE for smoke was issued and used by many of the agencies, but not by all.
Some stated that there were fewer marine flares than had been seen before, which “was a relief.” There were high-temperature flares being used with significant burn risks. Many individuals may not have realised the consequences of setting off such smoke and flares, but with the education within football grounds these days, it seems obvious to the observer that there is a high risk of injury and a threat to health for those standing in such environments.
This health threat, of course, includes all of those who are working in the area at the time, such as the local authority, police, fire, ambulance volunteers, security stewards, and traffic marshals. The joint agency group debrief said there was a behavioural issue that is occurring more frequently around the desire to capture dramatic content for social media.
The use of pyro also impacted progress of the parade itself. As the bubble convoy made the turn from Leeds Street onto The Strand, reduced visibility caused by dense smoke and the large crowds contributed to the players’ bus entering the wrong carriageway.
This was quickly identified, and between 5.30pm and 5.36pm, all agencies, including police, security teams, and event management personnel, worked together to create a safe route through the crowd and guide the convoy back onto the correct carriageway. There were three types of drone and those without thermal imaging were ineffective at times, primarily at least due to the extensive smoke cover.
If all drones used in the future had full thermal imaging capability, this might be overcome to some extent. In Mr Stuart’s fact finding, there was “constant” reference by stakeholders to a lack of power or ability to intervene in matters of obvious danger, such as occurred with the use of flares and smoke.
He wrote: “The confusion and lack of legislation controlling the use of smoke and flares in public places led to their constant use during the day, with obvious risks. Liverpool Council might consider approaching the Local Government Association for support in a government clampdown on those manufacturing, importing, or supplying pyrotechnics.
“A focus on the importation of such devices might be the most helpful in this regard.”