LFC event tackles homophobia
Liverpool FC teamed up with Football v Homophobia to host an awareness-raising tournament at the club's Kirkby Academy.
A total of 12 teams took part in the three-hour event which culminated in a hard-fought final that pitted Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service against Mersey Marauders FC.
The Football v Homophobia campaign strives to create a welcoming environment for all participants in football and eradicate homophobia in the sport.
Paul Amann, who is the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender fans' representative from the Liverpool FC Supporters' Committee, was on hand to oversee the event and he took time out to explain its importance.
"It's been great to have the support of Liverpool Football Club in the battle against homophobia in football," Paul told Liverpoolfc.tv.
"This is the first year we've done this tournament here in Liverpool. But Football v Homophobia tournaments have been going for six years across the UK with different clubs. Liverpool FC's involvement is absolutely crucial.
"We're often seen as the leaders in football nationally and internationally and to have Liverpool at the forefront of tackling homophobia in football sends a really clear and positive message to everybody involved.
"The message is: football is football. It's a beautiful game - let's make sure everybody can get involved in playing and it's not just for people who happen to be heterosexual. It's a game for everybody to play and everybody to take part in."
MP for Liverpool Walton Steve Rotheram was on hand to show his support and despite being 'exhausted' after playing in all six of his side's group games, he made it clear that events like the one at the Academy are crucial to tackling discrimination in the sport.
He said: "Hopefully people will understand that there are people from all walks of life who support Liverpool Football Club and that Liverpool FC also supports the community. And that the community is made up of many diverse groups.
"Unfortunately with my tired bones, I've played every minute of every game and I'm glad that we haven't progressed to the final! But today's been played in the right spirit. It's been absolutely fantastic. Liverpool FC is an inclusive club. They have always supported events like this."
Social inclusion officer Rishi Jain said: "This is just one of many ways that we can promote ourselves as being an equal, welcoming club which is welcoming to all our fans.
"People have had a lot of fun today, first and foremost, but it has been about promoting the stance that Liverpool Football Club has got against homophobia, against racism, against any form of discrimination."