A message of respect, passion for the game and a spirit of fair play was symbolised by several members in the crowd, who were wearing t-shirts with the slogan "Let Soccer Unite Us!".

As well as off the field, two players on the pitch helped embody the message and what it stands for.

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Northies' Wellington Bigone and FC's Welington Sardinha used the fierce battle on the pitch as a platform to share the message.

"I think sometimes people get a bit too caught up in winning and losing, and forget to enjoy playing the game," Bigone said.

"The beauty of this game is that it doesn't matter where you come from, everyone can play.

"It's a great game, and I think it is important to encourage people to play the game in the right spirit and have fun."

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Sardinha echoed his opponents sentiments saying soccer has the ability to unite people from all walks of life.

"From my perspective, soccer has an immense power of linking people together and allowing us to develop friendships through a shared passion," Sardinha said.

"Last weekend we had players from different genders, nationalities and races all on the same field, united by the love of the game.

"To me that is the great thing about this game."

Sardinha said he hoped the message of unity would carry on for many years to come.

"I am proud to say that over the last 10 years playing in the Northern Inland Football region, I have developed long-lasting friendships that would not have happened if it wasn't for soccer," he said.

"I hope that this message only grows stronger and allows us to be the most inclusive sport in our communities."

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