The first black man to play for Liverpool has turned down an MBE as it would be 'a betrayal' to Africans who suffered as a result of the British Empire.
Howard Gayle was nominated for his work with the Show Racism the Red Card campaign, having made his debut for the Reds in 1977.
The 58-year-old, born in Toxteth, took to Facebook to explain why he had turned down the nomination, adding that his ancestors would be 'turning in their graves' should be accept.
He wrote on his Facebook page: 'Most of you who are on my FB page are aware of the work that I do tackling racism and the work I do for Show Racism A Red Card.