Liverpool’s staff Christmas party shut down after drug paraphernalia found in toilets

Liverpool's Ryan Gravenberch reacts in his side's 2-2 draw with Fulham. Photo / AFP

Liverpool Football Club’s staff Christmas party at the city’s cathedral was abruptly shut down after suspected drug paraphernalia was found in the toilets following a medical emergency.

Thursday night’s gathering of around 500 club workers ended early after the discovery of a number of empty miniature resealable bags, which are often used as containers for illegal substances.

A search had been triggered by a medical emergency that resulted in a member of staff being taken to hospital, although it subsequently emerged the admission had not been linked to any drug use.

The decision to cut the party short by around half an hour was taken as a precaution.

A Liverpool spokesperson 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.”

Liverpool had hired the city’s cathedral, the biggest in Britain, for the event, which saw the club’s crest projected high on to the chapel windows and the hall bathed in red light.

Bands had been booked to play at the party and one set ended early due to the shutdown.

The party had been organised as a thank you for the work of non-footballing staff during a year which has ended with Arne Slot’s team top of both the Premier League and Champions League tables.

Slot and his players were not thought to have been present at the gathering, having earlier been at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital to meet young patients on their annual Christmas visit.

Liverpool Cathedral is celebrating 100 years since its consecration in 1924.

As well as being Britain’s biggest, it is the fifth-largest Anglican cathedral in the world and the seat of the Bishop of Liverpool and the mother church of the Diocese of Liverpool.