THE news that a bunch of lantern-jawed nightclub bouncers are rolling into Liverpool to slug it out in a bid to discover which one is the toughest is as depressing as it is pathetic.

What place does a competition to find the “hardest doorman” in the country have in the European Capital of Culture? Come to that, what place does it have in a sensible, right-thinking society?

Manchester councillors, quite rightly, refused to host this ridiculous event in any of their premises, so organisers were left scouting for a replacement venue. Step forward the Liverpool Olympia: What a sterling service you have done your city in agreeing to welcome these 16 champions; how delighted Liverpool’s residents and businesses must be to learn such heroes will be showcasing their brawling talents in its Culture Year.

The Olympia management describes it as “white collar boxing”, as though it were a group of stock brokers lining up to trade blows under the Marquis of Queensberry rules.

Rightly or wrongly, the profession of doormen attracts certain perceptions from the public, and this spectacle – to call it a contest would give it too much credit – is unlikely to reshape that view.

Neither is it helpful that the promoter dismisses the school of thought that says bouncers should use their brains, not their fists, to ensure their place of employment remains trouble-free.

Even the Security Industry Authority, the regulatory body that licenses door staff, is opposing this event.

The Daily Post supports the view of Liverpool’s deputy council leader Flo Clucas, who says it is a “great shame” that the event is being held in the city.

She is urging the Olympia management to think again, and we would second that. This event is decades out of date, unappealing and in no way helpful to Liverpool’s cultural renaissance. It is not often that this newspaper would back Manchester – but, in this case, it has made the correct decision. There is still time, however, for the Olympia to do the right thing.