Mayor’s gay team to play top cop side

Mayor’s gay team to play top cop side

Nov 8 2008 by Marc Waddington, Liverpool Echo

POLICE and city leaders are to take part in a football match to help tackle homophobia, following the death of Michael Causer.

Lord mayor of Liverpool Cllr Steve Rotherham will captain a team of gay players while Merseyside chief constable Bernard Hogan-Howe will head a police team made up of officers from Admiral Street police station in Toxteth.

The match is being hailed as an opportunity to show solidarity against homophobia, which police suspect was the motive behind the attack on 18-year-old Michael in July.

Cllr Rotherham said there was no place for homophobia on Merseyside.

He added: “I really wanted to be part of this event just to signal my total opposition to homophobia.

“I hope plenty of people turn up to show their support.

“Everyone needs to take a stand against this type of crime.”

Michael, of Whiston, died in Walton neurology centre eight days later after being attacked at a house party in Huyton on July 25.

The mayor added Michael’s family are fully supportive of the event, which is to take place on Monday at the Riversdale police club at 2pm.

Organiser Paul Amann, from Liverpool’s Jobs Employment and Training Service, who is also chairman of Mersey Marauders FC, said he hoped the event would be well attended.

He added: “Family, friends, supporters and supporting organisations are all very welcome to turn up and give their support as well.

“No tickets are required, so why not come along and show your solidarity?

“If Merseyside police and the lord mayor are doing their bit, what are you doing?”

A post-match buffet sponsored by the city council will take place in the club bar. Donations to the Michael Causer fund can be made at www.lcvs.org.uk.

Two men have been charged with Michael’s murder.
http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-news/local-news/2008/11/08/mayor-s-gay-team-to-play-top-cop-side-100252-22209470/