Liverpool and Everton have backed the Premier League’s new “With Pride” initiative.

Their support comes just days after Pascal Kaiser, an openly gay Bundesliga referee, was attacked after proposing to his partner.

Kaiser made world headlines when he popped the question to his partner in front of the crowd before FC Köln’s game against VfL Wolfsburg.

The proposal received a positive reaction from the crowd, with cheers and applause, as well as congratulations from millions online.

However, only days after newspapers reported how Kaiser was attacked at his home by a group of men.

The French newspaper also reports that Kaiser contacted police about threats he received, but was told there was no immediate danger.

It comes at the same time the Premier League launches ‘With Pride’ – an initiative that replaces the Rainbow Laces campaign.

Liverpool FC has committed its support to the initiative.

LFC Director of Impact, Rishi Jain, said: “We know that football has the power to bring people together.

“Supporting the Premier League’s With Pride initiative reinforces our long-standing commitment to inclusion.”

The club announced that academy players will receive education on diversity and inclusion.

The club also reaffirmed its commitment to working with the LGBT+ supporters group ‘Kop Outs’.

Everton also committed its support to the initiative.

The club will run the initiative alongside its award-winning All Together Now campaign, which promotes equality, diversity and inclusion.

Premier League Chief Executive Richard Masters said: “With Pride demonstrates our ongoing support for the LGBTQ+ community.

“I am pleased that progress has been made in recent years… will maintain our work with clubs to ensure this continues.

“This includes taking action against discrimination both in stadiums and online.”

(Featured image provided by Paul Amann from Kop Outs)

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