Liverpool have issued a list of “unacceptable” words and phrases to their staff in an effort to eradicate discrimination at Anfield.
The guide sets forth specific terms - seen in the photo at right - that have been deemed offensive under the headings of race/religion, sexual orientation, gender and disability.
The range of terms, which includes such terms and phrases as “princess,” “handicapped”, “Man-up” and “don’t be a woman,” is part of a wider education program run by the club after they were widely criticized for their support of Luis Suárez after being found guilty of racially abusing Manchester United’s Patrice Evra in December 2011.
Rishi Jain, the social inclusion officer for Liverpool who helped compile the guide, explained: “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 has been actively engaged in a full club-wide education and awareness program.
“This program 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. This program of awareness enables our employees to recognize inappropriate language and take the necessary steps to ensure Anfield is free from all forms of discrimination.”
Liverpool has been actively working on improving its anti-discrimination profile by working with Kick it Out, Show Racism the Red Card and the Anthony Walker Foundation. The club was also the first Premier League club represented at an official LGBT event last August.
The anti-discrimination guide was issued to all staff members but notably not to the Liverpool players, as they (and all players at Premier League and Football League clubs) receive separate guidance from the Football Association.