Club Announces “Red Together”: Approach to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

Photo
credit should read PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images

Liverpool FC’s new “Red Together” looks to focus on central
values in employment, playing, and supporting the Reds, at Anfield,
in the community, and beyond

Liverpool FC on the club website today that a new
initiative, called “Red Together,” will continue the club’s strong
work promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion at the club-wide
level.

The club recently maintained their Advanced Level of the Premier
League’s Equity Standard (PLES), a framework launched in 2015
to assist in clubs’ progress in areas linked to the nine protected
characteristics listed in the 2010 Equality Act (age, sex, disability, sexual
orientation, ethnic group, religion and belief, gender
reassignment, marriage and partnership, and pregnancy and
maternity). In 2011, Anfield became the first football stadium to
include homophobia alongside “violence, racism, and foul language”
in their stadium incident reporting signs following the urging of
LGBT Fan Group Kop Outs founder Paul Amann. The sign was
donated by Amann to the Museum of Liverpool, where it is periodically on display.

In 2017, Liverpool FC became the first Premier League team
achieve the Advanced Level, reflecting dedication at the club and
community level to promote equity. The Reds double down on their
commitment with the launch of Red Together,

to “build on solid foundations already created around
inclusion” while looking forward at what still needs to be done.
Red Together will focus on three “” areas: supporters, people, and the club; the
focus is both on matchday experiences (making sure all fans’ access
needs are met, and adequate facilities are available — as well as
tackling any discrimination witnessed).

Reds can a video that accompany the launch to listen to
five fans (including Mo Stewart of The Anfield Wrap and
Sheena-Marie Williams from Kop Outs) talk about their personal
experiences supporting Liverpool FC. By presenting fans’ voices
from the outset, Red Together asks us to look at the resonance of
“You’ll Never Walk Alone” from a perspective emphasizing diversity,
inclusion, and belonging:

“The city of Liverpool has a fantastic familiarity to people
from all different backgrounds. No one is a stranger, and everyone
is there for each other, whenever they are needed.”