Kick It Out chairman welcomes list of 'unacceptable' words issued by Liverpool to staff

Words such as "princess" and phrases like "don't be a woman" are included on the guide issued by the Reds

Liverpool's list of banned word's and phrases that has been issued to members of staff (Twitter)

The chairman of anti-discrimination group Kick It Out has welcomed Liverpool's decision to issue their staff with guidelines detailing unacceptable words and phrases in a bid to eradicate discrimination in the stands at Anfield.

The club have produced a handbook which highlights common slurs against race, religion, sexual orientation, gender and disability which they want to stamp out.

Included on the list of unwelcome phrases are insults like 'Don't be a woman', 'Play like a girl' and 'That's gay'.

And Lord Herman Ouseley, chair of anti-discrimination group Kick It Out, believes the guide is a positive step.

He said in a statement: "Kick It Out acknowledges the great strides that Liverpool FC has 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.

"Match day stewards must be trained on dealing with incidents of discrimination and unacceptable behaviour in order to eradicate it from our stadiums, and more and more football clubs are using Kick It Out's Equality Standard as a framework to develop this education across all areas of the business."

Liverpool's players receive their own guidance as part of a separate Premier League programme, and this latest move forms part of a wide-ranging programme to help other club employees identify discriminatory language that may be used by supporters on match days.

"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 programme," Liverpool's social inclusion officer Rishi Jain said.

"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.

"This programme of awareness enables our employees to recognise inappropriate language and take the necessary steps to ensure Anfield is free from all forms of discrimination.

"Liverpool has 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.

"The club has already attained Kick it Out's equality standard preliminary level and has recently submitted its application for the equality standard intermediate level demonstrating its continued commitment."

PA