Liverpool's 1976 LP celebrating the European Cup win
Europe’s love affair with the beautiful game is explored in an entertaining new exhibition opening this October at World Museum Liverpool. Opening October 11 2008 and running through till March 1 2009, Only a Game? looks at the human face of football in Europe from the classic era of the 1950’s to the modern age of global superstars.
The exhibition features rare objects from legendary matches, top European trophies and memorabilia from star players.
"There is no city in Europe where football means more than it does to the people of Liverpool - so I think it is great that we are having a European football exhibition as part of Liverpool 08," said Liverpool star Steven Gerrard.
Bert Trautmann's neckbrace worn after his famous injury in the 1956 FA Cup Final
"I am delighted that UEFA is bringing this exciting exhibition to Liverpool during its Capital of Culture celebrations, a city that loves its football and plays such a big role in Europe’s fascination with the game,” said Michel Platini, President of UEFA and three times European Footballer of the Year.
Looking at European culture through the lens of football, Only a Game? highlights the parallels, positive and negative, between the two. Solidarity, success, participation, celebration, racism and integration will all be examined in this thought-provoking exhibition. The city of Liverpool has played a central role in this story.
George Best's European Player of the Year Award trophy from 1968
Lilian Thuram, official patron of the exhibition and winner of both the World Cup and European Championship with France, said: “Football brings people together across Europe. It speaks a simple language that everyone understands. Only a Game? shines a light on all the actors that play a role: fans, school kids, amateurs, as well as the professional players.”
Highlights of the exhibition will include:
Display case containing the shirts and boots of Europe's greatest players
“Sport is part of Liverpool’s heritage and football has helped to shape this city of culture, so it should be no surprise to see it feature so prominently in the Capital of Culture programme,” said Bryan Gray, Chair of the Liverpool Culture Company.
“We are delighted to welcome Only a Game? to the European Capital of Culture; I can think of nowhere more fitting for this thought-provoking exhibition.”
