Those watching Liverpoolvs Leeds United may have been surprised when they heard 'Operation Anfield' announced on the tannoy. Arne Slot's side were playing host to Daniel Farke's men in the first Premier League match to be played in 2026.

During the first half, an announcement was made that a scheme called 'Operation Anfield Exercise' was to begin while the game was on. It was announced across the stadium's speaker system once, and then it was later brought to an end when the person over the microphone confirmed it was over.

Over the years, many football fans heard it announced at random intervals and were left wondering what the exercise was. However, this was previously explained by the 'Voice of Anfield' George Sephton, who is often the one to inform stewards and fans that it was underway.

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In an interview with This is Anfield,Sephton said: "'Operation Anfield’ is what would happen if there was a catastrophe going on and we needed to empty the stadium.

"If there was a terrorist bomb threat, a major fire or an explosion in the kitchens, whatever – if we had to operate 'Operation Anfield' everybody would be out of the stadium in two or three minutes. Operation Anfield Exercise means that we practice without actually moving anybody out of the stadium."

Of course, no fan, player or steward was ushered out of the stadium. The match was also not brought to a halt or delayed in any way while 'Operation Anfield' began.

Speaking about the exercise again, Sephton added: "When we do that, the stewards who are responsible for opening out gates would get to their gates, stand by, say they’re ready and everybody else involved in the possible evacuation of the stadium would be in the same place.

"After a couple of minutes, everybody’s in their place, so if they had to do it they would press go and all the gates would open. But obviously an exercise just means they’re practising without actually letting it end up with people being turfed out of the stadium.

"It’s all for your safety, it’s done with the cooperation of the police but it’s run by our stewards, who incidentally like the team, are the best in the business.”

Considering neither Liverpool nor Leeds found the net in the first half, it was arguably the most interesting moment of the opening 45 minutes. After a tumultuous October and November, Liverpool entered the new year in the top four.

Arne Slot's side are beginning to look up again having put together an eight-match unbeaten streak, which dates back to the end of November. They had dropped down to 11th in the table after losing six of seven Premier League matches in the weeks prior.

After the clash against Leeds, the Reds travel to Fulham on Sunday, January 4, before another London clash against Arsenal on Thursday, January 8.

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