Steven Gerrard has said he is “shocked, sickened and saddened” by the horrific events in Liverpool city center on Monday following the team’s Premier League title-winning parade.
Up to 47 people were injured as a car ploughed into a group of pedestrians on Water Street minutes after the open-top bus carrying the players had departed. Of that group, 27 received hospital treatment and two sustained serious injuries.
Several former players and managers have sent messages of support in the aftermath of the incident, with Gerrard the latest.
“Shocked, sickened and saddened at the incident we all witnessed in our city last night,” he wrote on Instagram. “My thoughts and prayers go out to all the people involved and their families.”
Gerrard had marked the sad occasion on Monday with a photo of the Liver Building engulfed in red smoke, accompanied by an emoji of a red heart.
The 44-year-old follows former team-mates Jamie Carragher and Robbie Fowler in expressing his shock, while Jurgen Klopp posted on Instagram: “My family and I are shocked and devastated. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those who are injured and affected. You'll never walk alone.”
Liverpool opted to postpone several internal staff events on Tuesday, organized initially to celebrate the conclusion of the title-winning campaign, and released a statement on Monday. CEO Billy Hogan shared a further update via a video posted on the club’s website.
Billy Hogan
Liverpool CEO Billy Hogan sent a message of support following Sunday's car crash in the city center.
“On behalf of all of us here at Liverpool Football Club, I would like to extend our heartfelt thoughts to all those who’ve been affected by this appalling incident on Water Street yesterday evening,” he said.
“This weekend was one of celebration, emotion and joy spread across the city in our entire fan base, and it ended in unimaginable scenes of distress with this appalling incident.
“I’d like to pay tribute to our emergency services and partner agencies – Merseyside Police, North West and St John Ambulance Services, and Merseyside Fire and Rescue – who dealt with the incident, and now our hospital staff across the city who are dealing with those who are injured, including tragically four children.
“I would also like to thank our supporters who witnessed this event and helped each other where they could. We continue to work with the emergency services and the local authorities to support their ongoing investigation and once again we would ask if anyone has any further information about the incident, please contact Merseyside Police. Thank you.”
A 53-year-old white British male has been arrested and is believed to be the driver of the car that collided with pedestrians. Merseyside police have confirmed the incident is not being treated as terrorist-related.