Liverpool unveil 'Shankly red' home shirts for 125th anniversary

Liverpool have disclosed their new home kit for next season to widespread approval.

The v-neck design has a retro feel and is a slightly darker shade of red to other recent designs. It has been likened to the shirt worn by the European Cup winning side of 1984.

This year marks the 125th anniversary of the club's foundation and the Liverpool crest has been tweaked to reflect that. The dates 1892 and 2017 are woven into the crest on either side of the Liverbird emblem.

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"Kit designers New Balance – who have taken flak for some of the club's less traditional away jerseys – said they wanted to embrace Liverpool's tradition this time," reports the Daily Telegraph. "And having faced criticism in recent years for favouring a lighter colouring of red more reminiscent of Middlesbrough, Liverpool have restored the deeper 'blood red' of the Bill Shankly era."

As with previous kits, the number 96 will appear on the back of the shirt to commemorate those who died in the Hillsborough disaster.

New Balance says the strip is a "perfect blend of heritage and modern technology. But, as ever, not everybody is impressed.

"While fans are liking the return to a v-neck design, many are complaining that New Balance didn't opt to use the old badge," reports Metro.

The home shirt is available to pre-order for £50 and will be worn by the team in the final home game of the season against Middlesbrough on 21 May.