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 announced 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, aiming 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 “priority” 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 view 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.”

Source: liverpooloffside.sbnation.com