Liverpool’s staff Christmas party was reportedly shut down prematurely after suspected drug paraphernalia was found in the toilets of the city’s famed cathedral. Around 500 members of the Premier League club’s staff attended the botched bash, with one individual suffering a medical emergency.

The incident triggered concerns that drugs were being used. Officials were forced to complete searches of the premises, including the toilets.

Checks of the cathedral’s toilets allegedly unearthed several small resealable bags. They are often used to conceal illegal substances.

According to the Daily Mail, the discovery caused the party to be cut short. However, it is understood that the emergency was not linked to drug use. The person was taken to hospital and is said to be recovering well.

Staff had been hoping to party long into the night inside Liverpool’s famous cathedral, the fifth-largest in the world. However, they were turfed out early after the discovery. Liverpool say they do not condone the use of illegal substances.

At least one band hired to play at the party is reported to have had their set cut short. None of the players, manager Arne Slot, nor the Dutchman’s staff are understood to have been present. The expensive event was arranged to commend the non-football staff for their work throughout the year.

According to the report, bars are said to have closed around 30 minutes ahead of schedule. Many staff located alternative venues to continue the party long into the night.

A Liverpool spokesperson told the newspaper: “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 will likely be celebrating ending 2024 as the Premier League leaders. Slot’s side are four points clear of Chelsea and have a game in hand due to the postponement of last weekend’s Merseyside derby.

A tremendous start to the Slot era has exceeded all expectations. The Reds also have a perfect record in their opening six Champions League fixtures, leaving them on the brink of automatically qualifying from the league phase. Finishing top of the table could land them a favourable tie in the knockout rounds.

Liverpool have lost only once under Slot and will next week compete in the Carabao Cup quarter-final. Premier League basement side Southampton will welcome them to the South Coast.