Kick It Out rewards Reds' commitment
Liverpool Football Club has been awarded with the Intermediate Level of the Equality Standard for Professional Football Clubs by Kick It Out in recognition of their efforts to combat discrimination.
The Equality Standard is a framework which encourages and supports the development of equality practices and policies at professional clubs and focuses on six key areas of diversity; race, religion, age, gender, disability and sexual orientation.
To mark the occasion, Wednesday night's fixture against Sunderland was dedicated to celebrating the 20-year anniversary of Kick It Out.
Players and team mascots wore Kick It Out t-shirts for the warm-up and at half-time, Roisin Wood, director of Kick It Out, presented Ian Ayre with the Intermediate Level of the Equality Standard.
The club has been working alongside Kick It Out to deliver key objectives that ensure action in all areas of its operation, including; the complaints reporting policy, staff training and personal development.
Ayre, Liverpool's managing director, said: "This is a fantastic achievement for the club and is something that all the supporters and staff can be very proud of.
"This award is a platform from which we will continue our journey to ensure that equality and inclusion principles continue to be embedded into all areas of the club."
Kick It Out's Roisin Wood said: "We are delighted to award the Intermediate Level of its Equality Standard for Professional Clubs to Liverpool FC.
"Liverpool has made excellent progress in delivering equality and inclusion measures across all departments. This has been highlighted by the work of the club's specific equality and diversity programme.
"Liverpool has also displayed a clear commitment to spreading messages of anti-discrimination, particularly due to the work of its Foundation, through to the local community with equality an important aspect for all associated with the club.
"LFC has given Kick It Out tremendous support and it is with great satisfaction that we award them with this accolade."
Kick It Out embarked on a special 'Season of Action' this year to recognise the progress which has been made in tackling all forms of discrimination in football since 1993.
Activities have been taking place up and down the country throughout the season as the organisation continues to strive to create a welcoming and comfortable environment for all.
Kick It Out has also introduced a free app to report incidents of discrimination; these reports will be treated in the strictest of confidence. The app is available to iPhone and Android users from the App Store or Google Play.
If you would like to find out more about Kick It Out and its work, please visit www.kickitout.org.