TRANMERE Rovers have issued a message to supporters following the Southport stabbings and ahead of the new season.

The country was rocked after three girls were killed during a mass stabbing in Southport on Monday, July 29.

At around 11.50am Merseyside Police were called to reports of “multiple stabbings” at a property in Hart Street where a Taylor Swift-themed dance event was taking place.

The fully-booked club for children, which was advertised as a dance and yoga workshop as well as bracelet-making, quickly became something “like a horror movie”, witnesses to the deadly stabbings said.

Three children died as a result of the stabbings with Merseyside Police confirming the names of the three girls who were tragically killed as six-year-old Bebe King, seven-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe, and nine-year-old Alice Dasilva Aguiar.

Now Tranmere Rovers Football Club have released a statement to its fans ahead of the new season starting.

Club owners Mark and Nicola Palios said: “As we get set to welcome the 2024/25 league campaign and the SWA prepare to attend EFL matches up and down the country, I hope we are all united by a renewed sense of hope and optimism for the season to come. 

“Sadly, in recent days towns and cities across the country have seen some unsavoury scenes that nobody wants to see a repeat of, now or anytime in the future.  

“Football has a unique ability to bring people together.  If you support the Club and its values, you are welcome at Prenton Park whatever your race, religion or political beliefs as long as you treat others with tolerance and respect. 

“Tranmere has always aimed to create a sense of belonging for people from all backgrounds and provide positive and memorable experiences, whether that be at Prenton Park, at away games or by participating in or through the community programmes that we run. 

“We pride ourselves on being a welcoming  community Club and work to provide a sense of identity, family, and togetherness.

“It is that football and community spirit that continues to win hearts and minds and why we must do whatever we can to look after and protect it, now more than ever. Enjoy the new season.”