MERSEYSIDE'S football clubs have united with the police commissioner in a bid to stamp out hate crime.

As part of National Hate Crime Awareness Week, the partnership encourages victims to report incidents of hate while reinforcing the message that Merseyside is #NoPlaceForHate.

The week, which runs from now until Saturday, October 19 will see Jane Kennedy supporting both national and regional campaigns working with the likes of Tranmere Rovers to publicise the ways victims can report incidents of abuse.

This includes taking the anti-hate message to Prenton Park through articles in the match day programme encouraging victims to report incidents to the police or to the national charity Stop Hate UK.

Stop Hate UK have been commissioned by the PCC to provide an alternative, non-police route of reporting.

In addition to this, 1,000 beer mats promoting Stop Hate UK will be distributed at Goodison Park on Saturday, October 19 for Everton’s clash against West Ham.

During the week Ms Kennedy will also be promoting Stop Hate UK and the three dedicated support services she commissions to provide care for victims – the Anthony Walker Foundation, Daisy Inclusive UK and Citizens Advice Liverpool – in communities across Merseyside.

Ms Kennedy said: “National Hate Crime Awareness Week is an important date in the calendar for me.

"It gives us all the opportunity to celebrate and promote the rich diversity of our communities, while coming together to reaffirm and renew our commitment to challenging and tackling acts inspired by hate of all kind.

“At a time when our country and indeed the world is deeply divided, it is more essential than ever that we remain vigilant to combat discrimination, racism and prejudice and I’m delighted that our fantastic football clubs and a host of other partners across the region are uniting with me to take this message to thousands of people across Merseyside.

“Hate crimes are known to have devastating, long term consequences for those who are targeted.

"We also know that if hate-fuelled attitudes are not tackled at an early stage they can escalate and lead to very serious crimes.

"However, sadly most people who experience hate crime still do not report it.

“Nobody should suffer fear, intimidation and abuse because of who they are – that’s why I am uniting with Liverpool, Everton and Tranmere Rovers football clubs to show hate crime the red card and urge anyone who has been subjected to hate not to suffer silence.

"Contact Merseyside Police, or, if for any reason you don’t feel comfortable speaking to the police, please do reach out to Stop Hate UK.”