Leading Merseyside football figures have been shortlisted for a prize at the British LGBT Awards.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp and his captain Jordan Henderson are joined by Richarlison of Everton with all three among the nominees for the new Football Ally accolade.
The British LGBT Awards has released its shortlist ahead of the annual ceremony which will take place in London on Friday. August 27.
The Awards, in association with Tesco, celebrate leading LGBT+ activists, allies and celebrity figures who have worked to advance the rights of LGBT+ people during the past 12 months.
For the first-time ever the British LGBT Awards will shine a light on the absence of an openly gay football player in England’s Premier League and highlight ‘allies’ from the sport.
The new ‘Football Ally’ award, for 2021 only, will highlight football personalities who are working to break down barriers and help to reach the moment when footballers can be their authentic selves on the playing field.
Henderson’s recommendation reads: “In December 2020, the Liverpool captain showed solidarity with the LGBT+ community by donning a rainbow coloured armband and tweeting ‘football is for everyone.’
“This caught the attention of a 24 year old LGBT+ fan named Keith Spooner who responded in praise of the social media post saying it will help gay football fans.
“The England star, who is an ally of the LGBT+ community, replied: ‘You’ll never walk alone Keith. If wearing the #RainbowLaces armband helps even just one person then it’s progress.’”
Liverpool’s manager Klopp is also on the list with his biography stating: “Jurgen Klopp, is the only Premier League manager known to have taken part in Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces campaign last season.
“The Premier League-winning manager was spotted showing his support for LGBT+ people in football during his team’s 5-2 win over Everton.
“The former Borussia Dortmund manager has also spoken about his personal support for LGBT+ equality and diversity in sport.”
Across Stanley Park, Everton forward Richarlison is also in contention.
The Brazilian’s synopsis says: “Everton star Richarlison is a supporter of the clubs LGBT+ supporters group, Rainbow Toffees and has spoken publicly on his support for footballers coming out as gay.
“Richarlison said: ‘We can no longer live as people did 100 years ago. We are all the same and we should be treated the same. Everyone must be treated, first, with respect and equality.’ “Richarlison, and his Everton teammates, are also supporters of Liverpool City Region’s annual Pride festival.”
Some ex-Reds and Blues aces are included too with former Liverpool captain and manager Graeme Souness, former Liverpool player Conor Coady and former Everton player Gary Lineker all on the list.
Members of the public can view their nominations and vote by clicking here to go to britishlgbtawards.com
