Liverpool’s new third kit is purple and has a tribal sleeve design

Eager to make rivals Manchester United feel a little less self-conscious about their new gingham tablecloth kit, Liverpool have unveiled their radical new third kit, which may or may not have had design input from a UFC fighter.

Though not as horrifically bright as the version that has been the subject of rumors for months, Liverpool's officially unveiled 2012/13 third kit is primarily purple (officially labeled as "nighshade," which is a poisonous plant) with orange trim and white shirt sleeves that feature "ancient tribal warrior markings" (that's the official press release wording). Here's Steven Gerrard to model the whole ensemble...

The design comes from Liverpool's new U.S.-based kit maker, Warrior Sports, which agreed to a club-record £25 million ($38.8 million USD) deal. Warrior already unveiled Liverpool's very traditional new home kit (which still managed to anger the families of those killed in the Hillsborough disaster) and an away kit that looks like a wetsuit.

Luckily, the third kit will only be worn during Liverpool's Europa League campaign, so no one will really see it.