Liverpool issue staff with list of ‘unacceptable’ words

Liverpool have issued members of staff with a list of "unacceptable" words and phrases in their effort to combat all forms of discrimination at Anfield.

The guide, part of a wider education programme run by the club, details terms that employees should deem offensive under the headings of race/religion, sexual orientation, gender and disability.

Most are self-explanatory and the guide advises that it is “important to understand the context of what’s being said”, as in the use, under gender for example, of “princess” or “don’t be a woman” on the Anfield terraces next season.

'Usually offensive'
Liverpool's list of what is "usually offensive and the club considers unacceptable" has been given to all full-time and casual members of staff who have contact with the public on match days or on a daily basis. The club was widely criticised for supporting Luis Suarez when the striker was found guilty in December 2011 of having used racially abusive language towards Manchester United's Patrice Evra but it views the education programme as one of several proactive measures taken to combat discrimination.

The guide has not been issued to Liverpool players because they, along with players at all Premier League and Football League clubs, receive separate guidance from the Football Association.

Rishi Jain, the social inclusion officer for Liverpool who helped compile the guide, said: “As part of the club’s continued commitment to tackle all forms of discrimination, as well as promoting its approach to equality and diversity, Liverpool FC have been actively engaged in a full club-wide education and awareness programme.

“This programme includes interactive workshops and a handbook which is designed to provide information on the latest equality legislation including information relating to what terminology is deemed as both acceptable and unacceptable.”

Liverpool became the first Premier League club to be represented at a UK Pride event last August.

Jain said: “Liverpool have been actively working with Kick it Out, Show Racism the Red Card and the Anthony Walker Foundation for many years and has been recognised externally for its contribution to helping tackle discrimination and promote Anfield as an inclusive and welcoming environment.”

Commitment to equality
Liverpool's guide has been praised by Lord Ouseley, the chair of Kick It Out. He said: "Kick It Out acknowledges the great strides that Liverpool FC have taken over recent times to reiterate their continued commitment to equality. The guide forms part of an overall awareness programme, and is a positive and proactive step in educating staff and stewards at the club."Guardian Service