ReviewRed Together celebrates bringing players and fans together to support equality, diversity and inclusion

The Reds’ senior ED&I manager, Rishi Jain, said: “Red Together has brought together fans, players, staff and partners this season, as well as charities and organisations such as the United Nations, to celebrate the diversity of our global fanbase and raise awareness of the many issues that remain in sport and wider society.”

Discover some of Red Together’s highlights and achievements from the 2022-23 season below.

Black History Month

In October, to mark Black History Month, LFC ambassador John Barnes met with Reds fan Tony Excell to discuss the terrible racism he experienced as a youngster on the terraces at Anfield.

Tony candidly discussed with Barnes the effect this abuse had on him personally and his relationship with the club, as well as the importance of and need for positive change.

The club also hosted a series of thought-provoking discussions, events and educational workshops for its staff and players, as well as local children and young people through LFC Foundation school and community sessions.

International Day of People with Disabilities

In December, young Liverpool supporter Joel, whose family were told he would never walk or talk again following a tragic accident, enjoyed a kickabout with Reds captain Jordan Henderson.

Joel, a regular attendee at LFC Foundation’s weekly disability sessions, visited the AXA Training Centre with his mum Kelly for a tour and a kickabout, after Henderson heard about what Joel had been through.

The club and LFC Foundation also supported the Liverpool Disabled Supporters Association’s Festive Fun Day at The Brunny.

LGBT+ History Month

To celebrate its diverse fanbase and shine a spotlight on the importance of inclusion, the club brought together Trent Alexander-Arnold and Olivia Graham – regular Anfield matchgoer and manager at Liverpool-based arts and culture organisation Homotopia – during LGBT+ History Month.

Olivia met with Trent at the AXA Training Centre to talk about her fan experience as an openly bisexual woman, her journey as a supporter, and the positive role that players have in both allyship and inspiring others. She also addressed the importance of equality and inclusivity in sport and the positive work that the club is doing in this area.

Alexander-Arnold said: “We all have our role to play within the sport. That’s the good thing about it – no-one is more important than anybody else. Everyone has an equal responsibility to do the right thing.”

In October, LFC teamed up with Homotopia for the Rainbow Laces campaign, which saw bespoke fan artwork created by local LGBT+ photographers and artists Michael Parry and Margie Houlston, and an exclusive panel event held at the Anfield retail store discussing the role of LGBT+ supporters and inclusion in football.

International Women’s Day

In March, Red Together showcased inspirational female talent and examined the barriers that still exist for women in sport.

The club welcomed British Olympic medal-winning athlete Anyika Onuora to Anfield to host an audience with LFC staff to discuss her personal and professional journey to date as a successful black sportswoman, as well as the abuse and racism she had to overcome in her career.

LFC Women’s Natasha Dowie and Gemma Bonner also met with two young academy players at the beginning of their professional careers to talk about their love of the game, the ongoing challenges they face as players, and the importance of positive role models.

The month also saw LFC partner with leading campaign group Her Game Too, to raise awareness of and help eradicate sexism in football.

Other Red Together achievements across the season included: hosting the United Nations and Eradicate Hate Global Sports Working Group Summit for global elite sport at Anfield; being recognised as an Includability Committed Employer, for the dedication to making the club a fair and inclusive place to work; as well as becoming an accredited menopause-friendly employer.

For more information on the club’s equality, diversity and inclusion efforts through its Red Together campaign, please visit www.liverpoolfc.com/redtogether.