Liverpool and Everton's relationship is stronger than ever | OneFootball

Liverpool and Everton are historic rivals, splitting the population of the city and the surrounding areas into two camps. The pair of clubs have one of the best derbies in the football calendar.

At times things can get feisty, such as what unfolded at Goodison Park's last derby matches last season, when a 2-2 draw resulted from the contest which included a controversial equaliser.

Hatred between the two fanbases is probably too harsh a term, but there is certainly dislike and those on each side have at the very least a dislike towards the other, and a desire to win at all costs.

But at the heart of the beautiful game is mutual respect for each other's efforts on the pitch and no one would ever wise harm on the other. There is a line that cannot be crossed and that is it.

So while genuine common decency should be expected from anyone, we cannot ignore how incredibly kind Everton Football Club have been regarding the Diogo Jota situation recently.

Club officials made their way to Anfield on Friday to place flowers down at a temporary memorial site for the late Portuguese striker and they spent time paying their respects to him.

In distressing times of tragedy, rivalries go out of the window and everyone must stick together.

Regardless of your affiliation, the lives of two human beings were lost this week, and they must be celebrated for what they were - fierce competitors who gave their all in a respectful manner.

One Everton fan was pictured making their way to Anfield in a Blue shirt, and to some it suggested point scoring as if someone from the other side of the city deserved praise for putting allegiances aside to celebrate Jota's life. Of course, the act would have been no less kind if they were to have worn a more neutral colour, but still the sentiment of the decision to pay their respects remains.

So by no means am I suggesting we should claim that Everton have done anything extraordinary, but it is particularly nice to see two clubs that are normally directly against each other, begin able to support one another in a time of need, showing empathy and kindness to each other.

In truth, it has always been this way. If another team is celebrating a former player's life, then the Reds will never shy away from doing the right thing and joining in. But that isn't always a given in modern society, when you've got divisive political issues on what should be basic things.

Racism, sexism, homophobia and xenophobia still exists across the world despite our best wishes.

So I think it's fair to say that Everton deserve credit for doing the right thing, even if it was expected. The relationship between the two clubs is a strong and incredibly respectful one.

Jota's last goal for Liverpool was in the derby match at Anfield last season and it was pivotal to our Premier League title hopes. In spite of that, there is no ill will between either club or with the player.

In true competitive spirit, each side gives their all to win and off the field, you accept that you gave it your best shot, you leave any issues on the field and you respect your opponent for their efforts.

Liverpool and Everton may have a rivalry, but there's a time and a place for it.